Someone asked us:
I got my first depo shot the first week of May, and was suppose to get my period a couple days later. Is it normal that I have not yet got my period? And is there a possibility I won’t get it all?
Yes, it’s totally normal to not get your period, or to get your period late after starting the shot. Irregular bleeding is actually the most common side effect of the shot, especially in the first 6-12 months. For most people who use the shot, periods become fewer and lighter. It’s even normal to stop getting your period altogether – that happens to about half of all people who use the shot, after one year of use. (A smaller percentage of users find that the shot makes their periods longer and heavier, or that it increases spotting or light bleeding between their periods.)
When the shot is used correctly – that means getting it every 12 weeks – it’s really effective at preventing pregnancy. So it’s extremely unlikely that a missed period is a sign of pregnancy. But if you’re really worried, you can always take a pregnancy test.
- Alex at Planned Parenthood