Q. I have been gaining weight ever since I’ve been on the Depo shot. Is there a way to take a lower dose of Depo?

A. For some women hormonal birth control options, like the Depo shot, can cause the body to retain water and increase appetite. Women who experience these side effects can maintain a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising for at least 30 minutes 3-5 days each week.

There is a lower dose option of the Depo shot. It is given subcutaneously (under the skin) and delivers the same dose to the system as the regular Depo shot. A common side effect of the low does Depo is breakthrough bleeding.

We suggest you make an appointment with a health care provider to discuss different birth control options and get support to maintain a healthy weight.