HELP! My bones! (Conctraceptive shot)

[ripvanfish]

So, yesterday I went to my doctor and got a nice little shot in my arm as extra protection against pregnancy.

As I'm walking out of the office, I'm reading the little paper with the drug information and it says it causes significant bone loss!

"Prolonged use of Depo-Provera may result in loss of significant bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. This risk is more likely for those who have been taking it for longer than 2 years, particularly when other risk factors for osteoporosis exist, such as family history and chronic alcohol and/or tobacco use. Although there are no studies to benefit its use, it is advised that all women on Depo-Provera get adequate calcium and Vitamin D (through diet and/or supplements) to help prevent osteoporosis."

I bring it up with my boyfriend, and he tells me his mom used to be on the shot and now she has the bones of an 80 year old woman! Now he tells me this!

What do you guys think? Is it worth the risk? If I take calcium and vitamin D supplements will I be OK?

[Nickle00]

I was on the shot for about 2 years. I used to love it!! No periods, NO CRAMPS, I never had to remember to take a pill everyday. My bones are great and I've never been much of a milk drinker either (cows milk or soy milk). Unfortunately, I aqquired hypothyroidism a few years ago and gained about 60 lbs (Boo!! Why couldn't I get freaking HYPERthyroidism??) and you're way more likely to gain weight if you're over 140...which I am.

[Dirty Martini]

Why don't you do weight-bearing exercise to increase bone density? It's the best way to take care of your bones & stave off osteoporosis IMO.

[Bells]

What do you guys think? Is it worth the risk? If I take calcium and vitamin D supplements will I be OK?

It's not worth the risk to me, especially when there are other options for birth control.

I have known people with brittle bones and osteoporosis... It's something I definitely want to avoid if I can.

[Dieselsmom]

I was on the shot for about 2 years. I used to love it!! No periods, NO CRAMPS, I never had to remember to take a pill everyday. My bones are great and I've never been much of a milk drinker either (cows milk or soy milk). Unfortunately, I aqquired hypothyroidism a few years ago and gained about 60 lbs (Boo!! Why couldn't I get freaking HYPERthyroidism??) and you're way more likely to gain weight if you're over 140...which I am.

How do you know your bones are great? Isn't osteoparosis something that shows up in your later years, and from your picture you look quite young.