Can I be pregnant after missing one shot of Depo-Provera?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 27-year-old female. I have been on Depo-Provera for six years. I am not taking any other medications. Lately, I have been experiencing severe mood swings and have not been myself. One minute I am dancing around the room and could not be happier, the next I am either crying or very angry. Normally, I do not cry and I am usually pretty laid back. I have also been getting dizzy mostly when I stand up or walk up the stairs. I have trouble sleeping and or sleeping too much. I am hungry all the time, however, when I do eat I feel nausea. I have done some research and have found that these symptoms are both common with the injection and also with pregnancy. How do I tell, if these are pregnancy symptoms or if it is because of the Depo shot? I did miss my last shot three months ago. Last month I took a home pregnancy test it came back negative. Will a home test be enough to tell if I am pregnant or not?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The home pregnancy test is fairly sensitive and very unlikely to miss pregnancy (except in very early pregnancy). If you suspect pregnancy strongly, you can repeat a home pregnancy test again after a week if period does not start. Most of your symptoms can be either due to indigestion or hormonal imbalance (hypothyroidism or estrogen deficiency). You can take antacids Pantoprazole for three to four days and see if symptoms resolve. If your symptoms do not resolve and pregnancy test comes negative, you can do TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test to rule out hypothyroidism. As you have taken depot for a long time, estrogen deficiency is likely, which can cause all of your symptoms. If possible shift to oral pills for contraception for a few months to avoid the same.

I hope this helps.