What Causes Missed Periods After Getting Depo Vera Shot?

Posted on Thu, 10 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 Answered on

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am on the Depo Vera shot. The last time I had sex was Dec 24, 2013. I have taken several HPT and they were negative. On March 19 2014 I had a blood pregnancy test at my family dr office it was also negative. If I was pregnant those test should have picked that up by now RIGHT?. I have never missed or been late for any of my Depo Vera shots. So what are the odds it did not show up. On the 24 of April it will be 4 months since I have had sex

Answered by Dr. Manmeet Kaur (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Depo Vera shots result is missed periods Detailed Answer: Hi there, I have read your question fully. What I would like to make is clear to you is that the Depo Vera or Provera shot that you are taking is mainly a birth control method . Please specify since how long have you been taking these shots. One of the major side effects after almost a year of use is missed periods or no periods for months together. There may also be occasional bleeding or spotting. So dear you do not have to worry for that. This is very common. This mechanism prevents the development of the ovum and thus prevents fertilization. Thus there is no way that the pregnancy test is positive either by the home method or by the estimation of blood Beta Hcg levels So if you need any other clarifications , I am there to answer

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Manmeet Kaur (42 minutes later)

I have been on the Shot for almost 5 years now. I love it. So you dont think that Im pregnant since I have not missed or been late for any of the shots. I Know you can stop having periods. I dont have them at all.

Answered by Dr. Manmeet Kaur (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Not pregnant Detailed Answer: Dear Since you have been on Depo Vera shot for almost 5 years now, your hormonal cycle to ovulate is totally depressed, there is no chance that you are pregnant Any queries or doubts are still welcome One more thing even after stopping the shot it takes another 6 -8 months for the cycles to return to normal. Bye

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Manmeet Kaur (50 minutes later)

And the last time I had sex was in December so I would know by now if I was. Right? And it would have shown up on all the tests I have taken

Answered by Dr. Manmeet Kaur (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer: DEPO PREVENTED PREGNANCY Detailed Answer: Since you have already mentioned that you are already regular with depo shot and all the test are negative , there is no possibility that you are pregnant. But to confirm your diagnosis I suggest that you get a fetal scan done . Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj