I had major mood swings, my chronic fatigue and CRPS were worse while I wasn't on depo

I got the depo shot several years ago. Not that I just had seizures but I had a lot during my menstrual cycle. The depo shot definitely helped with that. I don't know how long I went without the depo shot recently but I was really mean! I was awful! I had major mood swings, my chronic fatigue was worse, my CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) was worse. CRPS is the highest ranking of chronic pain and it's referred as the suicide disease. So the pain was even worse. A few months later, I screamed depo shot! So I got the depo shot and I feel great! So much better. I'm back to myself and I'm so much happier. So that's why I'm so confused about all this. If you stick with the depo shot, you'll be fine but if you don't, you'll go through withdrawal just like every medication out there. So I don't get what the issue is.

Hi, guest.

It sounds like you've had quite a challenging experience with your health, particularly with seizures during your menstrual cycle, mood swings, chronic fatigue, and CRPS, which indeed is known for being exceptionally painful. It's good to hear that you've found some relief with the depo shot (Depo-Provera, a form of contraceptive that is an injection of the hormone progestin).

The depo shot can have different effects on different people. For some, it provides significant relief from symptoms like those you've experienced—severe pain, mood fluctuations, and possibly the exacerbation of seizure activity related to the menstrual cycle. This relief might be due to the hormonal stability it provides by suppressing ovulation and reducing menstrual flow or stopping periods altogether. The hormonal changes can also impact the severity and frequency of seizures for some women.

On the other hand, as you've experienced, the depo shot can have side effects, and stopping it can lead to a kind of withdrawal as your body readjusts to its own natural hormonal rhythms. Mood swings, worsening of chronic conditions, and other symptoms can surface or intensify during this time. The withdrawal effects vary from person to person and can sometimes be as intense as the original issues that led to starting the depo shot.

It's crucial to have a comprehensive management plan in place for when you're on the depo shot and for if or when you decide to stop it. This plan should be created with your healthcare provider, considering the following:

Continuous Evaluation: Periodic reassessment of the benefits and any side effects you may be experiencing from the depo shot.
Long-Term Planning: A discussion about how long you should stay on the depo shot, as long-term use can have additional effects, such as impacts on bone density.
Management of Withdrawal: A strategy for managing any symptoms that might arise if you decide to stop the depo shot, including the potential return of seizures, pain, and mood changes.
Alternative Therapies: Considering other medications or therapeutic interventions that might balance out any negative effects or provide additional relief.
Mental Health Support: Given the mood swings and potential for depressive symptoms, both as part of your underlying conditions and as side effects or withdrawal effects of the depo shot, mental health support is important.
Bone Health: Since depo can affect bone density, ensuring you have appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, and perhaps periodic bone density scans as advised by your healthcare provider.