Depo-Provera and stress

I was on the Depo shot for almost 2 1/2 years after I had my second child. I always thought that my bad attitude and mood swings was because of all of the stress that I was under with being a single parent of 2 little kids. I was due to get the shot again in January and I didn't get it, at first because I didn't have the money for it at the time, but then I started to realize that I was in such a better mood. I was actually happy and had the energy to play with my kids. I did love not having a period, but I don't mind having one now that I'm actually able to enjoy spending time with my kids. I've been off of the shot for about 4 months now and just now had a period. It has lasted for over a week now and I'm not sure when it is going to stop. Right now I'm in the process of trying to find another form of birth control, but I'm not sure what to try because I also have endometriosis so I need something that will help with that. My doctor wants me to try the Nuvaring, but after I've read all of the complaints on here, I'm not sure I want to try it at all. And I was trying to lose weight, but I discovered that it was just about impossible while being on the shot because I had such a huge appetite. I've been eating less now and have lost a few pounds already. I also had a drastic loss of sex drive while on the shot. I always thought that the reason sex was so painful for me was because of the endometriosis, but since I've been off of the shot, I've been able to actually enjoy sex again, with no pain. I'm almost afraid to try any other birth control because I do not want to go back to being the person that I was when I was on the Depo shot.

I am experiencing a long term effect from taking Depo that I would not wish on anyone. I was on Depo for 1-2 years about 10 years ago. Prior to depo, I had a normal cycle. Post-depo, I NEVER returned to getting a normal period. Doctors put me on oral contraceptives to 'regulate' me which in hindsight just masked my natural cycle. I am now married and trying to conceive. I cannot ovulate or get my period on my own and am now taking cycles of assisted ovulation (which involve nightly injections, almost daily ultrasounds and bloodwork, and much anger and stress). My cousin is experiencing the same thing - was on depo for a few years about 5 yers ago and STILL cannot ovulate on her own.
Bottom line - if you ever plan to conceive, stop taking depo immediately. Who knows how long, if at all, it will take you to get a natural cycle again.