Zoladex for Endometriosis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2010

"I was given a 3month injection with terrible side-effects culminating in night sweats every 40minutes, shivers, difficulties in breathing, headaches, neck pain and eventually severe depression. The side effects starting showing at week four. I had never ever experienced depression prior to this. After 6 months, sufficient levels of the medicine remain in my system to continue affecting me. Other medication (Provera) prescribed by my gynecologist to counter those symptoms have given me some relief, although it took 3 weeks for that to occur, rather than the 4 days expected. "

• Claire...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 7, 2016

"My experience was horrible side effects it didn't help my pain much and certainly didn't shrink my endometriosis. 1 got my last 2 months in 2001 now since 2010 I have suffered severe pain in my joints and bones. I wouldn't recommend this drug to any endo girls."

• Pooters
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2021

"I have severe Endometriosis and multiple, persistent fibroids and have had two courses of Zoladex - one for 6 months in the run up to an operation. The other was meant to be for 4 months but I only managed three. I found the side effects too much to cope with: hot flushes, joint pain, depression, anger, tearfulness, hair loss, insomnia, appetite changes... I already have a lot of joint and body pain due to other health problems which may be one reason why I found it hard to cope. For me the worst thing is the low mood which isn’t helped by the insomnia. I hope I never have to take this drug again. For me it was a terrible experience."

• starh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 30, 2021

"You know, these reviews had me horrified when I first started this medication 6 months ago. I was a mess of anxiety because I thought this stuff was gonna be horrible. So let me tell you, don’t worry! People are more likely to write about their negative experiences rather than their positive ones. I’ve literally had zero side effects from these injections. My periods stopped after the first one. I spotted up until the 4th one. I have severe stage 4 endo so I do still have symptoms from that. But the actual injections are nothing. They numb my stomach before injecting. I feel a slight pinch and that’s it. I have no hot flashes, nothing. I just wish it 100% took my endo pain away. Hopefully my surgery will help for a little while, at least."

• Wot
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2016

"I was given an injection of this after a week long stay in hospital for extreme pain due to endometriosis. They told me it would keep my pain down till surgery and for me it was the most awful experience. I was still in pain and on top of that I had to deal with intense sweating, very bad mood swings and feeling extremely tender and my joints were sore. It made the month running up to surgery miserable for me and those around me. I would never ever go on this again."

• Anonymous
• November 27, 2011

"I have used Zoladex 3 month implant for 9 months, as I suffer from Pulmonary Endometriosis. Zoladex was the only medication that successfully stopped my periods, and to stop my lungs collapsing every cycle. Positives would be no mood swings, clear skin, and no periods therefore no pain. Negatives would be I gained 10 kilos, which I'm working on losing, but the weight was better than having horrific lung pain. I did have a small amount of bone pain, but this has stopped since I've been off the medication for a month. The other negative is its only subsidized in some parts of Australia. One state its $25 the other $1000 for three months. I hope this helps. In many ways Zoladex has helped me live a normal life again."

• Rose
• August 24, 2018

"I had my first injection 3 months ago to treat endometriosis before a second laproscopy. I read the terrible reviews, and as an otherwise fit 24 year old I was absolutely TERRIFIED about the weight gain, insomnia, headaches, sickness, hot flashes etc. But I wanted to post a review because it hasn't been that bad! The needle is large but I just make sure I look away, and it just feels like a small sting. For the first month I had no side effects. In month 2 I had headaches and hot flashes, but nothing that paracetemol (acetaminaphen) couldn't treat! In month 3, the headaches have gone but the hot flashes are frequent. They're annoying and they wake me up every night, but it hasn't stopped me living my life normally (going to work/gym, going on holiday, nights out with friends etc). Although my endo is severe, I'm lucky that my symptoms are minimal so I haven't noticed a change, but I've read Zoladex helps people who have a lot of pain. Waiting on one more injection before my laproscopy next month"

• SIs...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2019

"I love Zoladex, my GYN first tried this with me back in late September 2015. He started with the 30 day dose then moved me to the 90 day dose. I was thrilled with this medicine, the only issues were my libido was down (not good for a woman that just married 2014) , and I experienced extreme brain fog. I visited my GYN, told him that I did not want the Zoladex anymore because of the brain fog I experienced. He said that he wished I'd told him that, because he would have prescribed me estrogen. He said that the reason we experience the brain fog is because the medicine cuts off all the hormone estrogen to the brain. That all was needed was get 1% estrogen to the brain and brain fog should be eliminated. Well it worked like a charm, but I was scared to try it again. Nothing worked they made me bleed longer, which was not a good thing because I was anemic. My GYN and I discussed getting back on the Zoladex with Prempo (estrogen) from the start. I agreed and he put the Zoladex in."

• Cupcake
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 20, 2017

"Been on this medication now for four and a half years with add back HRT. Slightly uncomfortable injection every four weeks (however the three month injection makes me ill) but considering the symptoms of stage 4 endo Zoladex is amazing. No periods, no pain and by taking HRT no menopause symptoms either. Have my life back "

• louro...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 13, 2016

"Have been on zoladex once a month injections for a year now. Awful side effects for the first 8 months . Terrible joint pain, hot flushes, bowel habit changes, bad mood swings, complete lack of sex drive, depression that drive me to contemplate my place on earth, lethargy . Also massive weight gain ....Over 2 stones. The plus is I now am free from periods and the horrific pain I endured. Prior to zoladex I had an ablation where they burnt off my womb lining. This was unsuccessful . Make your choice as the side effects are really awful but the pain I suffered was so life limiting . I would be screaming out in pain unable to move a muscle. Now I am pain free."

• Tyiokhv
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

"Awful! Had three and experienced constant neck, shoulder, calf and bone pain everyday. I’m still experiencing these pains one month after stopping Zoladex. I was also given HRT add back and it didn’t help at all. Feeling anxious, tired, constant headaches and the pain all over is terrible. Hoping once my periods return I will also return to feeling normal"

• Everest
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

"I've had my 3rd monthly injection and can honestly say this drug has been life changing. I'm awaiting total hysterectomy but have thyroid issues which are delaying the anaesthetic. Have had years of heavy bleeding from undiagnosed endo, a huge fibroid in my uterus and ovarian endometriomas. Both ureters were compressed but within a couple of weeks of the first injection, I could pass urine freely again, all the bleeding stopped and my tummy felt normal again!! I've had headaches, hot flashes and brain fog but no issues with mood or skin/hair/weight etc. Very grateful to be symptom free even if it's only temporary!!"

• VREmrs
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2017

"I have been on this injection for three months and it has changed my life! I wake up happy not worrying about what day of the month it is and being totally pain free From this awful disease! It has stopped the inflammation of the endometriosis which is growing all over my womb and ligaments and I'm not bleeding every 21 days! My skin in perfect my nails strong and weight has stayed the same despite an increase in appetite ! No heaving floods or crippling cramps and bowel pain! Also just started Taking the Tipolone to counteract bone issues just dreading the last zoladex injection and getting my periods back for that three month stop gap. 3 months of misery . But side affects have been hot flushes and anxiety hoping tipolone works."

• Miss...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2022

"To be honest this drug has helped me in such a way that I don't get admitted at the hospital anymore whenever I'm my period due to fibroids and endometriosis. My doctor recommended zoladex for me after my surgery for three months, I'm done with the last one and now I feel no pain and no bleeding just that the side effect is sometimes unbearable. Severe hot flashes, sweating ,acne, hair breakage, bone pain, dizziness fortunately for me I had no mood swings. In all I don't regret using the drug the only unfortunate thing is that it is expensive"

• Molly
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2023

"One injection of lower dose Zoladex was all it took to give me permanent headaches in the forehead region. I could hardly walk. I felt every bone in my body. Dizziness, vomiting. The blood tests showed Raised sugar levels that would become permanent, as high calcium in my blood. I am not allowed to take Zoladex now because it had severe side effects. My fibroid shank a little bit, but Zoladex didn't return any benefits other than making me very ill. I have never felt the same after taking this medication. Don't treat pain temporarily with Zoladex it causes more harm long term. My headache today has lasted three days I take panadol most days."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2018

"I had a laparoscopy to treat endometriosis a month before beginning course of treatment. Monthly dose. On implant 3 of 6. First month was most difficult. No period after first month. Chronic pelvic pain has subsided. Pain and bleeding on injection site, bloating, nausea, fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, aches and pains, heavy feeling in chest and pelvic cramps for a few days after injection. Hot flushes and night sweats gradually became more intense and frequent after first month. They’re bothersome. Emotionally up and down throughout treatment with bouts of depression, anxiety and panic attacks (have a history). Headaches, a possible cause of sleep deprivation in combination with the drug. Weight, appetite, skin and hair - normal. I’m conflicted with how I feel about the drug. I can say not having chronic pelvic pain and a period has been relieving."

• Busym...
• April 4, 2021

"I suffer from endo and adenomyosis and when I have a flare up the pain is so severe it makes me vomit. Unbearable, hospitalised several times and have had several surgeries. Zoladex is A LIFESAVER!!! I was on it for 9 mths last year then after being off it for a few months for IVF I had a bad flare up of my adeno, had the zoladex shot and overnight the swelling and inflammation in my abdomen disappeared and my waist shrunk by 15 cm. Side effects are annoying - I have had a few angry sweaty outbursts that I know were 100% just side effects. Also there is a well known “zoladex flare” where your bleeding and pain symptoms will act up again around 7 days after injection. But after that it is much less. I didn't like the Mirena but I love Zoladex. Would be great to get the benefits without the side effects but it is not a perfect world. For me, it is totally worth it to deal with the pain and try to preserve my fertility."

• daspi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2021

"Hello, Due to endometriosis and adenomyosis I had undergone surgery before 2 months of starting my Zoladex 3.6 mg for 3 months. Most important, after taking the first injection of it my bleeding continued for 15 days and i was feeling just restless during this time as it was so heavy and unmanageable. My instructor advised me not to take "Pause" to stop it as its main activity is to wash all blood and extra tissues which were not possible to remove during surgery. Now I will take my 3rd injection but since then I had no periods. Hot flashes are quite normal and manageable."

• Judd
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2018

"After 10 years of endo & bowel pain, 3 laparoscopies (the last one docs said there was no endo!) and years of constant stomach pain, it has gone almost. I’m on the monthly injections but want to try the 12 week ones as the final week the endo pain returns. The hot flushes have subsided thanks to HRT and I have no other menopausal symptoms. Thank goodness for Zolodex."

• Kat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2021

"I've had 2 Zodelex injections so far. I'm awaiting surgery - hysterectomy for fibroids. After having a 3 week heavy bleed on the first month, my other symptoms are pretty mild. I've had a few headaches (but this is normal for me), a few hot flushes which are barely noticeable, but I have had painful urination due to thinning of the vagina / pelvic tissues. I believe my fibroid has shrunk as can not feel the bump anymore. My breasts are not painful anymore as they would be on my normal cycle. So surprised by my lack of symptoms. Having an ultrasound after my third injection to see how much my fibroid has shrunk."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2021

"Did not help with Endometriosis symptoms. Had terrible side effects like bone pain, joint pain, hot flashes, mood swings, hair loss. The side effects lasted for about a year after treatment with zoladex ended"

• JDano
• April 21, 2021

"I was on Zoladex for six and a half years due to Endometriosis causing severe pain and frequent hospital visits requiring morphine. Initially, for six months but I did so well on it, completely pain free that I decided to continue until menopause as opposed to a complicated hysterectomy. I tried coming off at age 49 but had to go back on due to pain coming back, I tried again at 51 and was great for 18 months but sadly intolerable pain returned although no bleeding. MRI showed large mass believed to be adenomyosis with ovaries stuck to uterus and uterus stuck to bowel very low down at the rectum! They are still reluctant to do surgery so I'm now back on zoladex aged 53. Three months in still having pain and problems. On the whole, Zoladex was great for me, I got my life back after 30 years of pain, I had some hot flushes and sleep disturbance but a small inconvenience and far more preferable than the constant pain. Although I'm having problems again, I still recommend Zoladex."

• AbbieDB
• May 18, 2018

"I had my laparoscopy beginning of November 2017 and was diagnosed with endometriosis after 7 years of issues. They fitted the mirina coil as a treatment but I was still spotting, stabbing internal pains, so when I returned to the gyno she suggested Zoladex. HATE the drug. I've only had 2 injections and have a 3rd left, which my doctors are contacting my gyno to cancel. Maybe I'm hormone sensitive or me being 22 plays a part but I'm still spotting, I've never had a cycle so that doesn't change much... Agonising joints, overall body ache, leavjng me unable to even do my office job! It's even in my spine. Worst part is I've been told they can't reverse the effects Til the drug is out my system (up to 4 months). Hot flashes happen often, but luckily I have fans to help :) I've been given the choice to be signed off for the months this lasts but I have bills. I was happier with the endo pain as it was at least manageable most days"

• Nous
• March 3, 2018

"I've just done my surgery for endometriosis and am on treatment for 6 months hope all goes well and with the zoladex injection just got muscle pain, dizziness and headache all of a sudden but it's normal as my gynecologist already told me in advanced it's side effects"

• Marilyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2022

"Have had the 3rd Zoladex implant and the side effects are ramping up. Was born with Uterine didelphys so had had issues for years - heavy bleeding, pain, endometriosis and horrific PMDD (Like PMS but so much worse) Unsuccessful Endometrial Ablation so started Zoladex to see how I cope with no hormones. Wow. Mental health greatly improved. Side effects only start after 5 weeks and now they’re pretty intense- hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, vaginal dryness and, grossly enough - leaking of urine! The last side effect has made me quite alarmed but it can happen my Gynae says. Hopefully have a hysterectomy soon where they’ll take the ovaries too. The benefits to my mental health FAR outweigh the annoyance of the side effects."