Your Question:
Dear Experts,
I started the Depo shot about a month ago and have had no problems with it whatsoever. Just recently, however, I've noticed that after I get out of the shower my breasts have these darker spots on them. They look like spot of skin that havent peeled after a tan. They fade away but I'm afraid that they might be some kind of allergic reaction to the birth control. Should I worry about them if they disappear each time?
chicmichelley, 10.25.06
The Answer:
Dear chicmichelley, Skin darkening or spotty darkening of the skin is a rare side effect of the shot (brand name Depo-Provera). Like all medications, the shot causes different side effects in different people. Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect. Periods can be heavier and longer, or happen less often and be lighter than usual. Some women spot during their cycle, and women who have been on the shot for a long time sometimes stop getting their periods altogether. Less common side effects include - headache
- nausea
- dizziness
- sore breasts
- change of appetite, weight gain
- depression
- hair loss, or increased hair on the face or body
- nervousness
- skin rash or spotty darkening of the skin
- change in sex drive
Side effects are most common in the first six to 12 months of use. It's important to remember that there is no way to stop the side effects - they may continue until the shot wears off about 12 weeks later. The shot is one of the most effective forms of birth control - it's up to 99.7 percent effective when used correctly.
Hope this information helps! Take care, teenwire.com ® Editors
This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.
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