I started taking Depo about 11 months ago. When I was due for my 4th shot I had been on it continuously for 9 months, but I had to wait a month before I could renew my shot because my insurance stopped paying for it and I didn't have the money to get it. Anyway...

My problem is that I've not had a period 9 weeks. While I've been taking the Depo my periods have been getting farther and farther apart...but it's never been this long before...6 weeks inbetween at the max. I took a pregnancy test about 2 weeks ago and it was negative. A week ago I finally got through to my stupid insurance and got my next shot but still no period. Should I be worried? Is it worth the trip to the DR? I really can't afford it, and the HMO only covers things it considers "neccessary".

I'm not sure this is important, but the last time I DID have a period it lasted 2 weeks straight. Could this also affect it?

Another thing is that my stress level has been triple the norm lately...I know this can have an effect...but it's been 9 weeks...

I dunno what to do...

When my sister was taking the Depro shots she never had a period. She loved it. Everyones body is different so you should check with your doctor to see if this is normal side effect of the drug. You can probably just call on Monday and ask. They might want you to do another pregnancy test I don't know. But call and ask them because they are the only one's who knows the dosage you received and if this could be a possible side effect like my sister and nothing to worry about.
a nurse

I think that you should put in a call to the gynecologist office. If the nurse can't answer your questions and thinks that you need to be seen for a follow up, I would take their advice. From what I understand, Depro can completely make you stop having periods at all. It can also take almost a year to get pregnant if you wanted to after stopping the use of it also. It has long lasting hormonal effects that do wear off in time that may have something to do with the stress you are feeling now.

My HMO doesn't cover birth control either. I shopped around for the price of filling the written prescription the doctor gave me. It cost me $55. Over three months, I don't think that is too bad of a cost. It beats the alternative! I'm not sure if your doctor is charging you for shots available at the office or giving you a written prescription. Call the local pharmacies and get a price on it. You may find it more affordable to do it this way. You go back to the office for them to give you the shot.

Start with your doctor to answer questions and I hope you find something that works for you and you get to feeling better.

The Depro shots can affect everyone differently. I know a woman who ended in the hospital in restraints because she had a bad reaction to the shots. But that is probably the worst-case-scenario. I do know that the shots *can* cause you to not get your period. This is something that your doctor should have told you, though...
If you had to delay getting one of your shots, you shouldn't have been having sex during that time. If you didn't, you have nothing to worry about. If you *did* have sex, you might want to consider going to a Planned Parenthood clinic for a pregnancy test, if you can't afford a doctior's visit right now.
Also, you should give your doctor a call and find out if your lack of period or length of period etc. is 'normal' for the Depro you are on.
...And I always thought that birth control was supposed to make our lives easier...