Zoladex for Endometriosis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2012

"My doctor suggested this for endometriosis. 6 months of injections, total agony. The injection itself is tolerable if the person giving it knows what they are doing. Every symptom of menopause hit me within 2 or 3 weeks. No weight gain. It did stop my periods. After 4 years of suffering and 2 of that in and out of doctors, I'm completely frustrated and exhausted."

• Poo...
• 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."

• Cla...
• 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. I got my last shot 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."

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

"I was given an injection of this after a week-long stay in the hospital for extreme pain due to endometriosis. They told me it would keep my pain down until 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."

• Ros...
• August 24, 2018

"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."

• sta...
• 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."

• 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 in 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 that the medicine cuts off all the hormone estrogen to the brain. All that was needed was to 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."

• VRE...
• 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 is perfect, my nails strong, and my weight has stayed the same despite an increase in appetite! No heaving floods or crippling cramps and bowel pain! I 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. Three months of misery. But side effects have been hot flushes and anxiety, hoping Tipolone works."

• 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 stopped my lungs from 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 it's only subsidized in some parts of Australia. In one state, it's $25, in the other, $1000 for three months. I hope this helps. In many ways, Zoladex has helped me live a normal life again."

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

"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

"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."

• lou...
• 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 drove 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 burned 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."

• Cup...
• 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."

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

"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."

• Mis...
• 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 to the hospital anymore whenever I'm on 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."

• Mol...
• 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 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."

• Bus...
• 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, hospitalized several times and have had several surgeries. Zoladex is a lifesaver!!! I was on it for 9 months 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."

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

"Due to endometriosis and adenomyosis, I had undergone surgery before 2 months of starting my Zoladex 3.6 mg for 3 months. Most importantly, 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."

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

"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."

• 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."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2018

"After 10 years of endo and 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 flashes have subsided thanks to HRT, and I have no other menopausal symptoms. Thank goodness for Zoladex."

• JDa...
• 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. An MRI showed a large mass believed to be adenomyosis with ovaries stuck to the uterus and the uterus stuck to the 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."

• Zoz...
• August 7, 2017

"This drug has been good; it has stopped my periods and pain I was getting. The injections aren't as bad as I thought. I have had little symptoms, such as body hair loss, little weight gain, feeling better, slight increase in sweating, lower sex drive, and feeling more bloated than usual."

• Abb...
• May 18, 2018

"I had my laparoscopy at the beginning of November 2017 and was diagnosed with endometriosis after 7 years of issues. They fitted the Mirena coil as a treatment, but I was still spotting, having stabbing internal pains, so when I returned to the gyno, she suggested Zoladex. I 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... Agonizing joints, overall body ache, leaving me unable to even do my office job! It's even in my spine. The worst part is I've been told they can't reverse the effects until the drug is out of 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."

• Nou...
• March 3, 2018

"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."