PIP: To assess the effects of Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) upon the menstrual patterns and resumption of fertility in women who have discontinued usage 53 patients who had previously received DMPA were studied. 26 of the 53 women had not used oral contraceptive steroids after discontinuing DMPA, the remaining 27 had used an oral contraceptive for varying amounts of time. 40 of the 53 women did not use an oral contraceptive prior to their initial bleeding episode after DMPA use. 48% of these women resumed normal cyclic bleeding. The remaining 21 all resumed bleeding within 6 months after DMPA discontinuation, but bleeding was irregular. 8 of the 21 had heavy flow, which was controlled with oral steroids. Of the total 53 patients, 36 did not begin the use of oral contraceptives for at least 6 months after cessation of DMPA usage. 50% of them had cycles. It was estimated that ovulation returned to 93% of the group of women who could be studied after discontinuing DMPA. It would seem that the duration of time to the onset of regular menses is not related to the number of injections received. Of the patients who conceived, the incicence of abnormal births did not differ from that of the general population. This drug seems to allow for normal endometrial response once the drug's effect has diminished. Since it is impossible to predict the time required for the drug's effect to diminish, it is recommended that the drug be given to women who are not spacing their family.