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Expert Q&A
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| By Lawrence B. Werlin Fertility Specialist | ||
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I was on depo provera for 15 months. Before the depo, I had regular periods and ovulated. I have been off depo for 12 months. My periods didn't start until 10 months after my last shot and were very irregular (every six to eight days and lasting about six days).
I have now been diagnosed with PCOD. Is it possible that I have developed this from the depo, seeing that everything was completely normal before going on the depo, and will the PCOD resolve? I have no other symptoms of PCOD – it was diagnosed through a pelvic ultrasound and some hormone levels were abnormal."
Depo did not cause PCOD. For a woman to have PCOD, three characteristics must be met:
- Polycystic ovaries that are documented with ultrasound, showing ovaries with numerous microfollicles.
- Elevated androgens (male hormones).
- Insulin resistance as documented by a ratio of fasting blood sugar/fasting insulin of less than 4.5/1 or an abnormal glucose tolerance test with corresponding abnormal insulin levels.
Related Expert Q&A
- How long should we wait before trying to conceive after I have my IUD removed?
- I am having trouble conceiving after taking Depo Provera. Is there any chance of me conceiving without Clomid?
- I have endometriosis and have been on birth control pills or Depo Provera for over 8 years. Do you suggest I stop getting the shot soon?
- Is it possible that I developed PCOD from depo provera?
- What are my options for becoming pregnant after my tubes have been cut?
More Answers by this Expert
- Is it possible for me to have someone else's egg fertilized in my uterus in order to have a baby?
- My fertility doctors have said that I may be perimenopausal. Is there any hope of my getting pregnant on my own at all?
- After stopping fertility treatments, I am experiencing long, heavy menstruation and exhaustion. Any idea why this is?
- I've been diagnosed with secondary amenorrhea with no known cause. What steps should I take to better my chances to conceive?
- If I conceived with Clomid for my first pregnancy, will I need to go the same route for a second pregnancy?