Depo Provera Long Term Side Effects

Published By:
Picture of Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key takeaways:

  • Meningioma Risk Factor: Research shows users of Depo Provera for one year or longer face 5.6 times higher risk of developing meningioma brain tumors compared to non-users.
  • Bone Health Concerns: FDA issued a black box warning for bone density loss with extended use, potentially leading to fractures and requiring medical monitoring for proper treatment.
  • Legal Action Opportunities: Patients diagnosed with meningiomas after using Depo Provera may qualify for compensation through lawsuits targeting inadequate warnings about this condition.

Depo Provera Long Term Side Effects Users Should Understand

Question: What are the long-term side effects of Depo Provera?

Depo Provera long term side effects include bone density loss, changes to the menstrual cycle, weight gain, and mood alterations.

The most serious long-term side effect of Depo Provera contraceptive injections is the development of meningioma brain tumors, with studies showing users are up to five times more likely to develop these tumors compared to non-users.

Our law firm is actively assisting individuals with Depo Provera lawsuit claims across all fifty (50) states in the United States.

This page provides the most current information about Depo Provera’s long-term health impacts and expert insights on legal options for those affected by these side effects.

You will not find more thorough information about Depo Provera long term side effects and health risks anywhere else.

On this page, we’ll examine what Depo-Provera is, known long-term side effects associated with Depo Provera birth control injectables, the connection to meningioma brain tumors, and much more.

Depo Provera Long Term Side Effects

The Growing Concern Over Depo-Provera Long-Term Usage

Depo-Provera is an injectable form of birth control containing depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of progesterone administered every three months.

Women across the country are discovering troubling health issues after years of using this birth control shot, with meningioma brain tumors emerging as the most alarming concern.

The primary long-term side effect being investigated in lawsuits is meningioma brain tumors.

Recent research published in 2024 found that women who used Depo-Provera for over a year face approximately five times higher risk of developing meningioma brain tumors compared to those not using the drug.

Medical experts now recognize that prolonged exposure to high doses of progestins (like those in Depo Provera shots) increases the risk of meningioma development, yet many users report never being warned about this possibility.

In addition to the meningioma risk, extended Depo-Provera use is associated with bone mineral density reduction (prompting an FDA black box warning), menstrual irregularities, weight gain, and mood changes.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with meningioma (brain tumors) after using Depo-Provera long acting injectable contraception, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit today.

Table of Contents

What is Depo-Provera and How Does it Work?

Depo-Provera is a hormonal birth control injection given every three months.

Before discussing its long-term side effects, it’s helpful to know exactly what this medication is and how it functions in the body.

Composition and Administration of Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera contains depo medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone.

Healthcare providers administer the injection into the arm or buttock muscle.

The injection delivers the hormone directly into the bloodstream, where it releases slowly over 12-14 weeks, requiring visits to a medical office four times per year.

How Depo-Provera Prevents Pregnancy

With perfect use, Depo-Provera is 99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy.

The real-world effectiveness rate is approximately 94%, accounting for missed or delayed injections.

This contraceptive agent works through multiple mechanisms:

  • It suppresses ovulation by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs
  • It thickens cervical mucus, creating a barrier that sperm cannot easily penetrate
  • It thins the uterine lining, reducing the possibility of implantation

FDA Approval and Usage History

The FDA first approved Depo-Provera for contraceptive use in 1992.

Over the years, the FDA has updated the product labeling to include additional warnings about potential health impacts.

Currently, about 2-3 million women in the United States use this long acting injectable contraceptive method.

Known Long Term Side Effects of Depo Provera Use

While the Depo injection offers effective birth control, its use beyond one year has been associated with various health concerns.

Women considering or currently using this method should be aware of these potential effects.

Bone Density Loss and Osteoporosis Risk

Depo-Provera can affect how the body absorbs calcium, which may lead to bone density reduction.

Studies show approximately 5-7% of users experience measurable bone mass decrease (especially young women), particularly in the hip and lower spine, which may be improved if patients exercise regularly.

The FDA has required Depo-Provera’s label to include a “black box” warning about possible bone mineral density loss from prolonged use.

These warnings indicate that it is unknown if using Depo-Provera during teen years or early adulthood affects bone strength later in life.

The drug’s prescribing information only advises long-term use if a patient is medically unable to use other birth control options.

Research indicates bone density often begins recovering after discontinuing the Depo Provera injections, though full recovery may take years.

Women with existing risk factors, including smoking, low calcium intake, or family history of osteoporosis, should discuss these concerns with their healthcare provider.

Menstrual Changes and Reproductive Health

Extended use typically causes noticeable changes in menstrual bleeding patterns:

  • Irregular bleeding during the first 6-12 months
  • Complete cessation of periods (amenorrhea) in about 50% of users after one year
  • Return to fertility averaging 9-10 months after the last injection, though some women experience delays of up to 18 months
  • Alterations to hormonal balance that may persist temporarily after discontinuation

Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes

Research suggests Depo-Provera may influence glucose metabolism differently than other hormonal contraceptives.

Studies suggest users of Depo-Provera may experience more weight gain over time compared to those using oral contraceptives, though some users report weight loss, and individual experiences vary widely.

The hormonal changes initiated by Depo-Provera can stimulate appetite and alter metabolism, potentially causing individuals to gain weight.

This weight change appears it can also connected to:

  • Fluid retention
  • Changes in fat storage patterns

Mood Changes and Mental Health Effects

Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can help monitor the effects outlined below.

Research indicates potential impacts on mental wellbeing, including (but not limited to):

  • Increased risk of depression symptoms in some users
  • Sleep pattern disruptions
  • Possible worsening of existing anxiety conditions
  • Mood fluctuations related to hormonal changes

Meningioma Brain Tumors and Depo-Provera Birth Control Shots

Growing research indicates a possible connection between prolonged use of progestins (like those in Depo-Provera) and the development of meningioma brain tumors.

While generally benign, these tumors can cause serious health problems.

The Link Between Progestins and Meningioma Development

Meningiomas are tumors that form in the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Recent studies have revealed that hormonal medications containing progestins may increase the risk of developing these tumors.

A March 2024 study found Depo-Provera users (for one year or more) faced a 5.6-fold increased risk of intracranial meningiomas requiring surgery.

A subsequent September 2024 study confirmed these concerns, finding 53% greater odds of developing meningioma in users compared to non-users.

Scientists believe that progestins may activate receptors in meningeal tissues, potentially stimulating abnormal cell growth.

Risk Factors for Developing Meningiomas

Several factors influence meningioma risk levels when using medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections, these include (but are not limited to):

  • Duration of use: Research indicates risk increases after just one year of use, with a clear correlation between duration of use and increased odds of developing cerebral meningiomas
  • Age: Women over 35 show heightened vulnerability
  • Dosage: Higher concentrations of progestin correlate with increased risk
  • Prior medical history: Previous radiation exposure or certain genetic conditions can compound risks

Recognizing Warning Signs and Symptoms

Early detection of potential side effects in long-term Depo-Provera users is key to proper treatment.

Being aware of these symptoms can help users seek appropriate medical care promptly.

Symptoms of Meningioma Brain Tumors

Various warning signs might indicate the presence of a meningioma:

  • Headaches that gradually worsen, particularly in the morning or when changing positions
  • Vision problems including blurred vision, double vision, or peripheral vision loss
  • Neurological issues such as seizures, memory problems, or difficulty concentrating
  • Balance and coordination difficulties when walking or performing routine tasks
  • Speech impairment or hearing changes

Important: If you experience sudden, severe symptoms like intense headaches with vomiting or seizures, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Indicators of Bone Density Problems

Women who have used Depo-Provera for multiple years should discuss bone density screening with their healthcare provider.

Bone health concerns may present as:

  • Persistent back pain without obvious cause
  • Height loss over time
  • Stooped posture developing gradually
  • Small fractures from minor falls or bumps, which could be prevented with calcium supplements and habits like exercise regularly
  • Joint pain, particularly in hips and spine

Monitoring Reproductive and Hormonal Health

Regular appointments with healthcare providers can help track and address the concerns outlined below.

Pay attention to any of the following potential issues after you begin taking Depo-Provera birth control injections:

  • Unusual bleeding patterns (or heavy bleeding) lasting beyond 12 months of use
  • Severe mood swings or depression symptoms
  • Prolonged absence of menstrual period after discontinuation
  • Unexplained hair loss or skin changes

Legal Rights for Patients Affected by Depo Provera Long Term Side Effects

Pharmaceutical companies must warn users about potential risks associated with their products, including serious health issues.

When these warnings are inadequate, patients who suffer serious side effects may have legal options available.

Failure to Warn Claims in Depo-Provera Cases

Manufacturers have a duty to provide clear warnings about their products’ risks.

For Depo-Provera, this responsibility involves informing users about all potential health impacts, including rare but serious ones like meningiomas.

The FDA has required several label updates over the years, including:

  • 2004: Black box warning about bone density loss
  • 2015: Additional warnings about prolonged use risks
  • 2020: Updated information about return to fertility

However, many patients allege these warnings came too late or were insufficient, particularly regarding the risk of developing meningiomas.

Current Litigation Status and Notable Cases

Meningioma Lawsuits (Currently Accepted by TruLaw)

TruLaw is actively accepting cases from patients who developed meningioma brain tumors after using Depo-Provera.

These lawsuits center on several key allegations:

  • Failure to adequately research the connection between progestins and meningioma development
  • Insufficient warning about the potential risk of long-term use causing women to develop brain tumors
  • Delayed implementation of safety warnings despite emerging evidence
  • Lack of proper monitoring recommendations for long-term users

Recent medical studies have strengthened these claims by demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship – the longer the use and higher the cumulative dose of progestin, the greater the risk of developing meningiomas.

In France, authorities suspended certain high-dose progestin medications in 2021 after studies showed a 7-fold increased risk of meningiomas with long-term use.

This regulatory action has bolstered similar claims in the United States regarding medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections.

Other Depo-Provera Litigation (Not Currently Accepted by TruLaw)

While lawsuits related to significant bone density loss and reproductive health complications have occurred previously, TruLaw is not currently accepting these types of cases.

Our focus remains exclusively on representing clients affected by meningiomas potentially linked to Depo-Provera use.

Compensation Options for Affected Individuals

Patients diagnosed with meningiomas following Depo-Provera use may be eligible for various types of compensation:

  • Medical expenses for diagnosis, surgery, and follow-up care
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering associated with diagnosis and treatment
  • Costs for ongoing care and monitoring

The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years after discovering an injury related to your contraceptive injection.

However, this can differ on a case by case basis – for that reason, it’s important to discuss the details of your situation with an experienced Depo Provera attorney.

They can help you understand how the statute of limitations will impact your case and ensure you do not miss any important deadlines.

At TruLaw, attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman specializes in pharmaceutical liability cases and can evaluate your situation if you’ve developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera.

Our team works with medical experts to establish the connection between your diagnosis and medication use.

If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit today.

Medical Monitoring and Alternative Options

Patients who have used Depo-Provera long-term should consider certain medical monitoring protocols.

Various alternative birth control methods exist for those concerned about the risks.

Recommended Medical Monitoring for Current and Former Users

Women who have used Depo-Provera for extended periods should follow specific health screening recommendations.

The following monitoring protocols can help identify issues early, potentially improving treatment outcomes:

  • Bone density scans (DEXA scans) after two years of use and periodically thereafter
  • Neurological examinations if symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes, or cognitive issues develop
  • Hormone level evaluations to monitor proper endocrine function
  • Careful symptom tracking using a diary or app to note changes in health patterns

Treatment Options for Depo-Provera Side Effects

Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.

Various interventions can address side effects:

  • For bone health concerns: Calcium and vitamin D supplements, weight-bearing exercise programs
  • For menstrual irregularities: Hormonal balancing medications to restore normal menstrual cycle, lifestyle modifications
  • For mood effects: Therapeutic counseling, stress management techniques
  • For meningiomas: Treatment ranges from watchful waiting with regular imaging to surgical removal, depending on tumor size and symptoms

Alternative Birth Control Methods with Lower Long-Term Risks

Several options may offer effective pregnancy prevention with fewer long-term concerns.

You can discuss these alternatives with your healthcare providers to help decide what may be best for you.

Alternative birth control methods to consider include, but are not limited to:

  • Non-hormonal methods: Copper IUD (effective for 10+ years), barrier methods like diaphragms and condoms
  • Lower-dose hormonal options: Hormonal IUDs, low-dose pills, patches with different hormone profiles
  • Permanent solutions: Tubal ligation or vasectomy for couples who have completed their families
  • Fertility awareness methods: Modern techniques using multiple indicators to identify fertile periods

Steps to Take if You've Experienced Long Term Side Effects After Using Depo Provera Injectables

Discovering a connection between health problems and medication can be overwhelming.

Here’s a structured approach to addressing these concerns.

Medical Documentation and Health Records

Proper documentation strengthens both medical care and potential legal claims

This documentation becomes valuable for both medical treatments and any potential legal action.

Medical documentation may include, but is not limited to:

  • Request complete medical records from all providers who prescribed or administered Depo-Provera
  • Create a timeline showing when you started and stopped the medication, including exact dates when possible
  • Maintain a detailed symptom journal noting when issues began, their severity, and impacts on daily life
  • Ask your healthcare provider to document any suspected connection between your symptoms and Depo-Provera use

Finding Specialized Medical Care

Various specialists can help address specific Depo Provera long term side effects:

  • Neurologists or neurosurgeons for meningioma evaluation and treatment
  • Endocrinologists for hormonal imbalances
  • Reproductive specialists for menstrual or fertility concerns
  • Orthopedists or rheumatologists for bone health issues

When meeting with specialists, consider asking:

  • “What is your experience treating patients with similar medication-related concerns?”
  • “What testing protocol do you recommend for someone with my history?”
  • “How will insurance cover the specialized tests needed?”

Patient advocacy groups can also provide resources and support during this process.

Consulting with a Pharmaceutical Liability Attorney

If you believe your health issues stem from Depo-Provera use (particularly meningioma development), consulting with an experienced Depo Provera lawyer at TruLaw is advised.

When seeking legal guidance:

  • Bring your complete medical records and medication history
  • Prepare a timeline of your Depo-Provera use and symptom development
  • Gather documentation of all related medical expenses
  • List how these health issues have impacted your work and daily life

Most pharmaceutical cases operate on contingency fees, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.

The legal process typically takes 1-3 years, depending on case specifics and whether settlement is reached.

However, this can differ on a case by case basis – for that reason, it’s important to discuss the details of your situation with an experienced Depo Provera attorney.

They can help you understand what the timeline may look like for your case.

At TruLaw, attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman specializes in pharmaceutical liability cases and can evaluate your situation if you’ve developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera.

Our team works with medical experts to establish the connection between your diagnosis and medication use.

If you or a loved one developed a meningioma after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo-Provera lawsuit today.

How Can A Depo Provera Attorney from TruLaw Help You?

Our Depo Provera attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a Depo Provera lawsuit.

With extensive experience in dangerous drugs cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how Depo Provera injections caused you harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, bone density treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from your Depo Provera injuries.

We understand the physical and emotional toll that Depo Provera complications have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead Depo Provera Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead Depo Provera attorney:

  • Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring a Depo Provera lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced health complications after receiving Depo Provera injections, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo Provera lawsuit today.

TruLaw: The Law Firm Victims Trust for Depo Provera Lawsuit Claims

Depo-Provera lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were diagnosed with meningioma or other severe health conditions after using the contraceptive injection.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Depo Provera lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your Depo-Provera lawsuit include:

  • If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The Depo Provera lawsuit lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
  • Expertise: We have years of experience handling pharmaceutical liability cases similar to the Depo Provera lawsuit, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
  • Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with any grade of meningioma or suffered from other severe health conditions after using Depo-Provera, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the Depo Provera shot lawsuit today.

Depo-Provera Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions

Published By:
Picture of Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Managing Attorney & Owner

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!

Additional Depo-Provera Lawsuit resources on our website:
All
FAQs
Injuries & Conditions
Legal Help
Military
Other Resources
Settlements & Compensation
You can learn more about this topic by visiting any of our Depo-Provera Lawsuit pages listed below:
Depo Provera Lawsuit
Depo Provera Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Depo Provera Lawsuit Sign Up | How to File A Claim
Depo Provera Long Term Side Effects
Depo Provera Shot Lawsuit
Depo Provera Use Linked to Brain Tumors
Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Lawsuit
Depo-Provera Lawsuit Side Effects: Brain Tumors, Meningiomas, & More
Depo-Provera Lawsuit: Symptoms Users Should Know
FAQ: Am I Eligible for a Depo Provera Lawsuit?
FAQ: Is There a Depo Provera Class Action Lawsuit?
FAQ: Is There a Lawsuit Against Depo Provera?
FAQ: Why Was Depo Provera Banned in 1978?
History of Depo Provera | Complete Timeline 1954 to Present
How Depo Provera Lawsuit Lawyers Can Help Your Claim
How to File A Depo Provera Lawsuit Claim
Pfizer Depo Provera Lawsuit
What is the Lawsuit Against the Depo Shot?
Who Qualifies to File a Depo Provera Lawsuit?
Why Are Depo-Provera Lawsuits Being Filed?
AFFF Lawsuit

AFFF Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used in firefighting.

Claims allege that companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Tyco Fire Products failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of AFFF exposure — including increased risks of various cancers and diseases.

Depo Provera Lawsuit

Depo Provera Lawsuit claims are being filed by individuals who allege they developed meningioma (a type of brain tumor) after receiving Depo-Provera birth control injections.

A 2024 study found that women using Depo-Provera for at least 1 year are five times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors compared to those not using the drug.

Suboxone Lawsuit

Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit claims are being filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.

Claims allege that Indivior failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of severe tooth decay and dental injuries associated with Suboxone’s sublingual film version.

Social Media Lawsuits

Social Media Harm Lawsuits are being filed against social media companies for allegedly causing mental health issues in children and teens.

Claims allege that companies like Meta, Google, ByteDance, and Snap designed addictive platforms that led to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without adequately warning users or parents.

Vaginal Mesh Lawsuits

Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Claims allege that companies like Ethicon, C.R. Bard, and Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn about potential dangers — including erosion, pain, and infection.

Bair Hugger Lawsuit

Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits involve claims against 3M — alleging their surgical warming blankets caused severe infections and complications (particularly in hip and knee replacement surgeries).

Plaintiffs claim 3M failed to warn about potential risks — despite knowing about increased risk of deep joint infections since 2011.

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit

Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of cow’s milk-based baby formula products.

Claims allege that companies like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) failed to warn about the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.

Do You
Have A Case?

Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.

Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.

Would you like our help?

Other Depo-Provera Lawsuit Resources

All
FAQs
Injuries & Conditions
Legal Help
Military
Other Resources
Settlements & Compensation