"i have been on depo for 16 years. it&#039;s effective! no kids! i started seeing side effects around year 6 which included a little facial hair. around year 19 i gained about 25 pounds (i went from 120 to about 145) it&#039;s still so worth it. no periods and no cramps after year 1! i take calcium supplements and i lift heavy weights so along with getting bone density test-so far so good."