Active ingredient effect
With the three-month injection, the hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate from the group of progestins is injected into the shoulder or buttock muscle of the woman. From the depot created there, the active substance is continuously released into the bloodstream over the coming months and distributed throughout the body. Gestagens, which are similar to the so-called corpus luteum hormones (progesterone) that occur naturally in the body, are also produced naturally during pregnancy.
The effect occurs simultaneously in several places, which prevents pregnancy. Firstly, the progestin suppresses ovulation in the ovaries and also inhibits the build-up of the lining of the womb. This prevents a fertilised egg from implanting. On the other hand, the cervical mucus (mucus in the cervix) becomes thicker so that sperm cannot penetrate the uterus in the first place. The three-month injection does not contain any other active ingredient, i.e. no hormone from the estrogen group.
Side effects
With the three-month injection, a high dosage of progestins affects the hormone balance of the woman and can lead to various side effects. Often an irregular period is experienced. On the one hand, there may be spotting and bleeding between periods.
On the other hand, menstrual bleeding can also stop altogether. In addition, especially in the period after the injection, there is often a feeling of tension and pain in the breasts. Likewise, there may be a loss of libido, which means that the desire for and the desire to have sexual intercourse may be reduced.
Other possible side effects of the three-month injection are headaches, abdominal pain, back pain, acne, water retention in the arms and legs (edema) and, in very rare cases, liver dysfunction and jaundice. It is also possible that the hormones may cause depression or depressive moods.In addition, there may be a decrease in bone density and thus an increased risk of osteoporosis. The bones are less stable and can break more easily.
If necessary this effect can be worked against after medical consultation by a supply of Vitamin D and calcium. Non-specific side effects that may occur are allergic reactions and bleeding after the injection. The three-month injection can lead to various side effects due to the intervention in the hormone balance.
These include hair loss in some women. If this symptom occurs during contraception with the hormone injection, it is likely to be the cause. The gestagens contained in the injection can have a similar effect on the hair roots as male sex hormones and trigger hair loss.
Since it is not possible to simply stop taking the hormone injection, the body must first break down the progestins. If necessary, an alternative method of contraception should be chosen to eliminate the cause of the hair loss. If hair loss is severe, the prescribing doctor should therefore be consulted for advice.
Women who use the three-month injection often complain of weight gain. Often it is due to water retention in the tissue, which is caused by the hormones administered. However, there may also be an increased storage of fat, for example due to increased appetite.
A weight gain caused by the three-month injection is usually limited to a few kilos. A massive increase in weight cannot be directly attributed to the contraceptive. The best way to counteract weight gain is through sufficient physical exercise and a sensible diet with an appropriate calorie intake
