A Manchester woman has come forward with a shocking claim that using a common contraceptive injection for several years caused her to lose more than half of her natural teeth.
A Life-Changing Discovery
Alexandra Hale, a 32-year-old veterinary care assistant, began receiving the three-monthly Depo-Provera injection in 2015. She was 22 at the time and sought relief from debilitating period pains that had plagued her since her teens, often forcing her to miss school and work.
The treatment initially seemed like a miracle, completely eliminating her crippling menstrual symptoms. "I thought it was the best thing ever," Alexandra recalled. She would have check-ups with a nurse every six months, but asserts she was never properly reviewed by a GP or informed of potential long-term risks.
The Unexplained Deterioration
In 2019, four years after starting the injections, Alexandra's dental health began a rapid and mysterious decline. Despite maintaining good oral hygiene and a low-sugar diet, she developed severe toothaches. One by one, her teeth, starting with the molars at the back, decayed and broke.
By 2022, she had lost a total of 14 teeth, leaving her with only one molar remaining. "We couldn't work out what was going on - it was so weird," she said. The physical loss was compounded by intense migraines and profound emotional distress. She became deeply self-conscious, covering her mouth when laughing in public for fear of judgement.
Connecting the Dots and Seeking Justice
It was only after Alexandra began researching the side effects of Depo-Provera online in 2022 that she found other users reporting similar experiences with tooth loss and migraines. A GP later confirmed the injection could be the cause.
She was further shocked to learn in 2024 that National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend a review every two years for long-term users due to the drug's potential impact on bone mineral density. The guidelines state the progestogen-only injection is associated with a small loss of bone density, which is usually recovered after stopping treatment.
Alexandra, who has now switched to a contraceptive implant, feels utterly failed by the system. "I just wish the NHS could take responsibility for what has happened to me," she stated. "If I'd had the proper checks none of this would have happened." Dr Helen Westwood of Timperley Health Centre confirmed the link between Depo and bone density loss, which can affect dental health.
Facing an estimated £15,000 bill for a full set of dental implants, Alexandra has set up a GoFundMe page. Her story is a stark warning to others. She urges women to always review their health choices, be fully aware of medication side effects, and insist on annual reviews with their doctor.
