Does Depo Change the Color of Your Discharge? Understanding the Side Effects

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to drug manufacturer Pfizer, up to 57% of people on Depo-Provera will stop having periods by the 12th month, which significantly impacts bleeding patterns and discharge [1.3.4, 1.5.2]. But does Depo change the color of your discharge in other ways? It's a common question with a nuanced answer.

Quick Summary

The Depo-Provera shot commonly alters vaginal discharge. The progestin hormone often causes thicker, stickier discharge and irregular spotting, which appears as brown discharge. While these changes are typical, colors like green or gray warrant medical attention.

Key Points

Brown is Common: The most frequent color change is brown discharge, which is old blood from irregular spotting, a known side effect of Depo [1.4.3, 1.2.4].
Thicker Consistency: Depo's progestin hormone thickens cervical mucus, which can lead to discharge that is thicker, stickier, and more opaque or white than usual [1.2.2, 1.2.3].
Infection Colors are a Red Flag: Green, gray, or dark yellow discharge is not a side effect of Depo and usually indicates an infection like an STI or bacterial vaginosis [1.7.5, 1.6.1].
Symptoms Matter: Beyond color, watch for other signs of infection such as a foul odor, itching, burning, pelvic pain, or a cottage-cheese texture [1.9.2].
Changes Decrease Over Time: Irregular bleeding and spotting often lessen with continued use, and many users stop having periods entirely after a year [1.5.2, 1.5.5].
Consult a Doctor for Abnormalities: Always contact a healthcare provider for any discharge that seems infectious or if you experience very heavy, prolonged bleeding [1.9.3].
Hormonal, Not a Barrier: Depo-Provera is a hormonal contraceptive and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections [1.8.1].

Understanding Depo-Provera and Its Hormonal Impact

Depo-Provera, the brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, is an injectable contraceptive given every three months [1.8.4]. It works by releasing a high dose of progestin, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone [1.5.5, 1.8.2]. This hormone prevents pregnancy in three main ways: it stops ovulation (the release of an egg), thickens cervical mucus to block sperm, and thins the uterine lining [1.8.1, 1.8.4].

These hormonal actions are highly effective for contraception but are also responsible for its most common side effect: changes in menstrual bleeding patterns [1.5.2]. Most users experience some form of irregular bleeding or spotting, especially within the first year [1.5.5]. This disruption is key to understanding how Depo-Provera can affect the appearance of vaginal discharge.

The Most Common Color Change: Brown Discharge

The most frequently reported color change in discharge while on the Depo shot is brown [1.4.3]. This brown discharge is almost always old blood [1.2.4]. Here's why it happens:

Irregular Spotting: Depo-Provera often causes breakthrough bleeding or spotting between periods [1.3.1]. This is light bleeding from the uterus.
Slow Blood Exit: When blood flow is slow, it takes longer to exit the body. During this time, the blood oxidizes (reacts with oxygen), which turns it from red to brown or even black [1.4.6].
Mixing with Discharge: This old, brown blood then mixes with normal vaginal secretions, resulting in brown-colored discharge [1.2.1].

This type of discharge can be mild spotting or last for several days and is generally considered a normal, though sometimes bothersome, side effect, particularly in the first 6-12 months as the body adjusts [1.4.1, 1.5.5].

A Guide to Discharge Colors on the Depo Shot

Aside from brown discharge, you might notice other changes. It's crucial to distinguish between what's likely normal due to the hormonal shifts of Depo and what could signal a problem like an infection.

Normal and Expected Changes

Thicker, White, or Opaque Discharge: The progestin in Depo works partly by making cervical mucus thicker and stickier to create a barrier against sperm [1.2.2]. This can result in an increase in discharge that is white, off-white, or more opaque than you're used to [1.2.3, 1.6.2].
Brown or Pink Discharge: As discussed, this is typically due to spotting and the oxidation of old blood. It's especially common in the first year of use [1.4.3, 1.6.6].
Less Discharge Over Time: Some users report vaginal dryness as a side effect [1.3.2]. Additionally, as many as 68% of users may stop having periods altogether by the 24-month mark, which can lead to a general decrease in all types of cyclical discharge [1.5.2].

When to Be Concerned: Abnormal Colors

While Depo alters your cycle, it does not protect against infections. Certain colors and accompanying symptoms are never normal and require medical evaluation [1.2.1].

Yellow or Green Discharge: A dark yellow or greenish discharge, especially if it's frothy or accompanied by a foul odor, itching, or burning, is a red flag [1.6.1, 1.7.5]. It can indicate a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia [1.7.3, 1.7.4].
Gray Discharge: Thin, gray discharge with a strong, fishy odor is the classic sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria [1.6.4, 1.7.4].
Cottage Cheese-Like Discharge: Thick, white, clumpy discharge that resembles cottage cheese, along with intense itching and redness, strongly suggests a yeast infection [1.6.6, 1.2.1].

If you experience any of these abnormal colors, odors, or textures, it's essential to see a healthcare provider. These are signs of an infection that needs treatment and are not a side effect of the birth control shot itself [1.9.2].

Comparison: Discharge on Depo vs. No Hormonal Birth Control


Feature	Typical Discharge (No Hormonal BC)	Common Discharge on Depo-Provera
Pattern	Cyclical changes; clear and stretchy around ovulation, whiter before period [1.6.4].	Irregular; unpredictable spotting and changes are common, especially in the first year [1.5.3].
Color	Mostly clear, white, or off-white. Pink/brown at the start/end of a period [1.6.2].	Often brown due to spotting [1.4.3]. Can be thicker and more opaque white [1.2.3].
Consistency	Varies from watery to creamy to stretchy (like egg whites) [1.6.2].	Tends to be thicker and stickier due to progestin's effect on cervical mucus [1.2.2].
Amount	Varies; often increases around ovulation [1.6.4].	Can increase, but some users experience vaginal dryness [1.3.2]. Many have no bleeding/spotting after one year [1.5.4].

Conclusion: When to Consult Your Doctor

Yes, the Depo shot frequently changes the color, consistency, and amount of vaginal discharge. An increase in thick, white discharge and the appearance of brown discharge from spotting are very common side effects [1.2.3, 1.4.5]. However, these changes should be distinguished from signs of infection.

You should always consult a healthcare provider if you experience [1.9.2]:

Discharge that is green, yellow, or gray.
A strong, foul, or fishy odor.
Discharge accompanied by itching, burning, pelvic pain, or fever.
A texture resembling cottage cheese or foam.
Unusually heavy or persistent bleeding (soaking a pad every 1-2 hours) [1.5.3].

While changes are expected with Depo-Provera, your provider can rule out underlying issues and ensure your symptoms are a normal part of your body's adjustment to the medication [1.9.3].

For more information on the Depo-Provera shot, its side effects, and what to expect, you can visit Planned Parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

While daily brown discharge can be alarming, it is a very common side effect, especially during the first 6 to 12 months, as your body adjusts. It's typically old blood from irregular spotting. If it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult your doctor [1.4.1, 1.5.5].

Depo-Provera itself doesn't directly cause yeast infections. However, hormonal changes can sometimes disrupt the vaginal environment. If you have thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with itching, it's likely a yeast infection and you should seek treatment [1.2.1, 1.6.6].

Normal discharge changes from Depo, including brown discharge (old blood), should not have a strong or foul odor. A fishy or otherwise unpleasant smell is a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and requires medical attention [1.6.2, 1.9.2].

A very light, pale yellow discharge with no other symptoms can be normal as discharge oxidizes in the air. However, a dark yellow or greenish-yellow discharge, especially with an odor or irritation, can be a sign of an STI or other infection and should be evaluated by a doctor [1.6.1, 1.7.2].

Irregular bleeding and spotting are most common during the first year of using Depo-Provera. For many people, these side effects lessen over time, and after one year, more than half of users stop having periods altogether [1.5.2, 1.3.4].

Brown discharge is a sign of irregular bleeding, not a sign that the shot isn't working. If you are getting your shots on time every 3 months, your chance of pregnancy is very low (Depo is over 99% effective with perfect use) [1.5.1, 1.5.4].

You should see a doctor if your discharge is green, gray, or dark yellow, has a foul odor, is accompanied by itching, pain, or fever, or if you are bleeding so heavily that you soak through a pad every hour or two [1.5.3, 1.9.2].