Goserelin and Headaches: What Users Say

• Ale...
• July 16, 2013

For Endometriosis "I am halfway through my Zoladex treatment, and it has been an absolute godsend for my pain. I'm not in any pain at all, which is exactly what I wanted. However, I am struggling with the side effects: hot flashes, headaches, weakness, night sweats, tiredness, and bone pain. I was struggling to get through the day before the treatment, and now I have these other problems to deal with. I am torn about how I feel about it. I would definitely recommend it though, as everyone has different levels of these symptoms; I might just be a bad case."

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2017

For Endometriosis "Well, I have had 2 Zoladex injections. As my gynecologist said – symptoms will appear only after 4 weeks. Well, guess what – mine appeared only after the fourth day! Yep! And I have had all the symptoms. These 8 weeks have been the worst in my life. I have had: hot flashes – so bad during every night that my pillow and blanket are soaking wet, sweating, headaches, dizziness, mood changes, vaginal discharge – meaning a little bit of pee coming into my undies (sometimes not so little bit) – when I do not feel like I have to pee! Breast size reduction, bone pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, insomnia, acne, itching, and depression mood swings that are just so bad. Plus, my stomach has been so bloated, so gassy, so not functioning normally. The worst time in my entire life!!! I would never in a million years ever agree to this again. Better to be with endometriosis - as guess what, this does not cure it!!! So – might be all for nothing."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2021

For Bleeding Disorder "I have just had my third Zoladex injection, and my treatment plan is to have twelve with a review at six months. After struggling with very heavy periods for the last eight years, caused by huge fibroids, this medication was suggested to bring on early menopause. I’m 53, so I had been hoping for the last few years that things would ‘sort themselves out,’ but clearly, that wasn’t to be. The upsides are my periods stopped immediately, and the injections are simple and really nothing to worry about. This should also mean that I do not have to have any sort of surgery. The downsides for me have been the hot flashes, both day and night, and for the first couple of months, interrupted sleep, although this does seem to be getting better now. Also, headaches, usually in the first few days after the injection, and some nausea. I guess it’s a trade-off you have to make to work out which gives you the best quality of life. Remember, some people don’t get any side effects at all."

• Nat...
• July 8, 2019

For Endometriosis "I was absolutely dreading being put on Zoladex for 4 months before excision surgery - so much that I delayed surgery for 2 years. I am on my 3rd monthly injection now, and I must say I have been pleasantly surprised! I had some spotting 2 weeks in, but my endo pain has mostly subsided, and the hot flushes/headaches/insomnia have been totally manageable. I do feel quite forgetful and slightly achey, but so far no depression. If anything, my moods have improved (probably due to less pain!). I have been taking a methylated multivitamin and low-dose naltrexone at night, plus 30 mins exercise a day, maybe these have all helped. I wouldn't want to be on it longer than 4 months, but it definitely hasn't been as bad for me as I was anticipating. A lot of ladies do really seem to suffer on it, but maybe the people with positive experiences don't tend to write reviews? So I thought I would. My consultant also said they can offer HRT if the side effects are too bad, but I haven't needed it so far."

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2010

For Endometriosis "I was given a 3-month injection with terrible side effects culminating in night sweats every 40 minutes, shivers, difficulties in breathing, headaches, neck pain, and eventually severe depression. The side effects started showing at week four. I had never 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."

• Lev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2019

For Endometriosis "On my 3rd and final monthly injection of Zoladex for endometriosis. Suffered from mild headaches, very frequent hot flushes, fatigue, low libido, and feeling a bit grumpy some days, but... no more Endo pain, which feels amazing. The side effects were not constant and were totally manageable. Hot flushes were the worst side effect, and although I have about 1 an hour, they only last a couple of minutes. Not looking forward to coming off it."

• Ros...
• August 24, 2018

For Endometriosis "I had my first injection 3 months ago to treat endometriosis before a second laparoscopy. 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 paracetamol (acetaminophen) 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 from 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 laparoscopy next month."

• Jan...
• September 21, 2018

For Bleeding Disorder "I’m 40 and have no children. I was suffering abnormal bleeding due to fibroids, but no pain. I was losing so much blood, I had been rushed into the hospital on several occasions. The bleeding caused me to suffer severe anemia. I was really happy when Zoladex was suggested, as it meant I didn’t have to have a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, my experience was not good. I had my first injection, and about 2 weeks in, I was having cluster headaches, depression, my whole body ached, I was getting confused, the hot sweats were unbearable, I put nearly 2 stone on, and I was an emotional wreck. I still had the second injection and was taking HRT to help, but the Zoladex was taking over. The gynecologist had then told me not to have the 3rd. My last one was 7 weeks ago, but I’m feeling so much better already. I would never have Zoladex again. I’m booked in for a hysterectomy now and can’t wait for it all to be over so I can get back to being myself. I would never take Zoladex again."

• Eve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

For Endometriosis "I've had my third monthly injection and can honestly say this drug has been life-changing. I'm awaiting a total hysterectomy but have thyroid issues which are delaying the anesthetic. I've 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!"

• Tyi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2022

For Endometriosis "Awful! Had three and experienced constant neck, shoulder, calf, and bone pain every day. 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."

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

For Endometriosis "I had a laparoscopy to treat endometriosis a month before beginning the course of treatment. Monthly dose. On implant 3 of 6. The first month was the most difficult. No period after the first month. Chronic pelvic pain has subsided. Pain and bleeding on the injection site, bloating, nausea, fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, aches and pains, a heavy feeling in the chest, and pelvic cramps for a few days after injection. Hot flushes and night sweats gradually became more intense and frequent after the 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."

• Kan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 28, 2019

For Bleeding Disorder "The Zoladex injection has been my only savior. I am now 24, I was put on the drug to initially ‘reset’ my reproductive system to see if it could stop my excessive unexplained bleeding, but once coming off Zoladex last year for 6 months, the same pattern emerged. I have now had over 20 Zoladex injections with the intention of continuing this until I have children. I have been lucky in the sense that I have regained my life in being able to participate in normal experiences without worrying about bleeding everywhere. I’ve experienced some of the side effects, including hot flushes, weight gain, headaches, and bone pain, which comes and then goes just as quickly (besides the weight, sadly). Depression is definitely something I have mildly developed since being on the drug, but the continuous bleeding was leading me down that path anyway!"

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2023

For Endometriosis "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 well as high calcium in my blood. I am not allowed to take Zoladex now because it had severe side effects. My fibroid shrank 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."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2021

For Bleeding Disorder "I'm 2.5 months into Zoladex treatment. Was extremely nervous at first but have been pleasantly surprised. Side effects only started 4th week into treatment. Hot flashes are not as bad as I thought they'd be. Headaches are probably my worst symptom - nothing a Paracetamol can't help, though. No period has been life-changing. I have had a great improvement in my mental health, too."

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

For Endometriosis "I've had 2 Zoladex injections so far. I'm awaiting surgery - hysterectomy for fibroids. After having a 3-week heavy bleed in 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 I cannot 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."

• Nou...
• March 3, 2018

For Endometriosis "I've just had my surgery for endometriosis and am on treatment for 6 months. Hope all goes well 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 advance it's side effects."

• FLB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2023

For Endometriosis "I’m on my second month of Zoladex, due to my third injection shortly, and it’s been an absolute godsend so far. I’ve spent since the age of 12 with severely heavy, painful periods. Endometriosis has plagued my life, as has the effect the menstrual cycle had on my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, making my hips subluxate and dislocate far more regularly during my period. The pain has been awful. Almost 3 months in and the relief while I wait for my hysterectomy is incredible. I’ve had some headaches and hot flashes, but honestly, I would rather deal with that than the blackouts I’ve had every month. I’m 40 now and couldn’t keep going with it."

• CBL...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2022

For Endometriosis "Diagnosed at 29, Zoladex for 6 months. Endo pain only subsided since you do not get periods while taking this drug. However, I experienced terrible inflammation and water weight gain, my clothes stopped fitting after the second injection. I work out and eat healthy, mind you. I am constantly fatigued and lack motivation. Brain fog is real on this drug. The hot flashes are so miserable, couple it with the insomnia and it has been a miserable 5 months. The cellulite and weight gain have been the hardest for me since I am into fitness. I feel like I’m in someone else’s body. I get headaches daily and usually suffer a migraine within 24 hours of a dosed injection. I’m on my last dose and I’m hoping after I can get back to my normal self. I dealt with sciatic pain with the endo, it’s not as bad but still around. I’m still trying to figure out if this treatment has been worth it. We shall see by April."