Answer:
Everything I've heard says the side effects are worse on the shot versus the pill. The shot is longer lasting, so the effects can last for more than a year & there's not much you can do about it.
Every BCP is different - they all have different combinations of hormones. Just because the one you're taking now has bad side effects, doesn't mean something different will have any side effects at all. I tried Ortho Cyclen for several years without any problems, tried switching to Tri Cyclen and it wasn't a good idea, tried Yaz and it nearly killed me.
Ask your doctor for a new kind of pill, maybe you just need a lower dose of hormones.
NOOOOOOOOO! That shot is the absolute devil. It caused me many years of problems and made it where I couldn't have my period. STAY AWAY FROM IT!
It may cause an increase in weight, average 5 to 10 lbs. but that can be an effect of birth control pills also. I've been on it now for 1 year. I was on it previously for about 5 years. I love it. No need to worry about taking pills daily.
The list of side effects from Depo are similar to the pill, or any other type of hormonal BC. And you're going to get an entire spectrum of responses.
I personally used the shot for 5 years and never had any problems. I never gained weight, had only 1 period about every 15 months, never had acne, moodiness, cravings, bloating, cramps or PMS (because I wasn't cycling).
There are others though who will tell you of horrific weight gain and other side effects. Just as with ANY medication, it is entirely dependent upon the person using it. If you decide to try it, you may have a good experience, or you may have something similar to what you have now.
If you like the pill in general, but don't like the side effects you currently have, simply ask to switch formulations. It took me nearly 2 dozen different ones to find one that worked well for me, so it's often just a matter of trial and error.
my daughter had this shot and she piled on the weight and she became so depressed as a result of the shot that she had to go onto antidepressants . she suffered mood swings and would burst into tears over nothing. she would never have one again.
of course it affects everyone differently but i would do as much research as you can before you go for it. the only upside of it is that it only lasts for a few months.