A Manchester woman has come forward with a shocking claim that staying on a contraceptive injection for too long led to the loss of more than half her teeth.
A Smile Shattered: From Pain Relief to Tooth Loss
Alexandra Hale, a 32-year-old veterinary care assistant, began using the three-monthly Depo-Provera injection in 2015. She was just 22 and sought relief from debilitating period pains that left her bedridden for two days each month.
The treatment initially seemed like a miracle, completely eliminating her menstrual agony. For years, she received routine six-monthly check-ups with a nurse, who monitored her blood pressure. However, Alexandra asserts she was never properly reviewed by a GP and was not informed of the potential long-term risks to bone health associated with the jab.
The Mysterious Deterioration
In 2019, Alexandra's dental health, which had previously been robust, began to inexplicably collapse. She started suffering from severe toothaches that disrupted her sleep.
Despite maintaining a low-sugar diet, brushing and flossing regularly, and only occasionally drinking diet coke, her teeth began to decay rapidly. Dentists were baffled, questioning her habits as they filled cavities. One by one, starting from the back, her molars began to break.
By 2022, the damage was devastating. Alexandra had lost 14 teeth, leaving her with just one molar remaining. The physical toll was compounded by intense migraines that forced her to take time off work.
"We couldn't work out what was going on - it was so weird," Alexandra recalled. "I cover my mouth now if I laugh in public. There's such a stigma about having bad teeth."
The Shocking Discovery and Ongoing Battle
Puzzled by her sudden health issues, Alexandra began researching online. She discovered other users of the Depo injection reporting similar experiences of migraines and tooth loss.
Her suspicions were confirmed when a GP later acknowledged the connection. In 2024, a conversation with a friend revealed a critical piece of information: National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend reviewing the risks and benefits of the progestogen-only injectable every two years if used long-term, due to its association with a loss of bone mineral density (BMD).
"Everything just came crashing down. I was so shocked. I felt really let down," Alexandra said. She has since switched to a contraceptive implant and reports that her dental health has stabilised.
Dr Helen Westwood of Timperley Health Centre, who now treats Alexandra, confirmed: "The Depo injection is associated with a loss of bone mineral density which can affect dental health. The bone density usually recovers on stopping Depo."
Alexandra now faces a financial mountain to reclaim her smile. She has been advised she needs a full set of dental implants, costing an estimated £15,000. She has set up a GoFundMe page to raise the funds, expressing a wish that the NHS would take responsibility.
Her message to others is clear: "What happened to me could have been avoided with the right checks. I just want people to know that you should always review your health choices. Make sure you are aware of side effects. Have an annual review with your doctor."
