To tell the truth, I think I had really forgotten what it was like to operate under unregulated hormones. Since I started taking Depo, a lot of the problems I had cleared up....acne, mood swings, unexplained depression, and a host of other things unmentionable...when I started taking Depo, these things faded away slowly, so that I didn't notice they were missing until recently when I was late for my next dosage. My skin broke out, rampant insomnia returned, I get depressed for no reason, and other, equally intense emotions....how much of this can I really blame on not getting my Depo shot in time? Does it really affect my hormones that much? I've been on it about a year, but the last time I was supposed to get the shot I waited a month after the time to do it...and then this time I was about 14 days late...though I noticed the "symptons" started before then. Normally I would associate it with psycosematic stuff...but the thing is, I didn't realize I was late for the shot UNTIL I started feeling strangly and began to ponder possible reasons why.

I suppose my question is really...is it possible that Depo regulates my hormones enough that my acne, insomnia, and unexplained depressions would cease or reduce over time? If this is the case, and the results are so drastic...could it indicate a possible imbalance which might be cured with some other means than birth control? Should I (ugh ugh vomit argh blech) go to a doctor with these questions?

Actually, I would say "Yes" that the Depo does allow a regulation of the hormones that way. Mood swings do occur and all those things do happen. If you are worried, do talk to your Doctor.. but I do not think it is psychosomatic myself.

If you have been to the doctor lately I would just call and ask the nurse. The nurse can help you or will ask the doctor for you. You might save your self a trip to the doctor or she might say to come in anyway. But I think like Sherasi says it is worth mentioning to the doctor.

What you are describing sounds to me like some symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have it in the effect that my periods are scant to non existant for up to a year at a time. While my best friend has it and it affects her by acne, weight gain, irregular (but better than mine) periods as well as strange hair growth. The reason I ask you this question is that birth control is often given to regulate it and once off, the symptoms - some of which you describe, are quick to return. I'd ask your doc for a thorough physical and chemical screening of the blood for hormonal balances. Maybe the answer lies there.