Zoladex and Flushing: What Users Say

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2020

For Endometriosis "I was worried about using Zoladex when suggested by my gynecologist as I had read a lot about the negative side effects. I felt I needed to share my experience as I have suffered terribly with endo for over 15 years and had debilitating pain daily for the last 4 of those. Zoladex is the first and only thing that has ever worked in relieving me of my crippling endo symptoms. While on Zoladex, I have no flare-ups, no pain, no periods (so no heavy blood loss), no fatigue, and no brain fog. It's been so amazing for me that I want to shout it from the rooftops! I must advise, though, that after the first month on Zoladex, I started getting very intense hot flushes and some insomnia, but I was then prescribed Livial to take alongside the Zoladex, and now I feel amazing! The hot flushes ceased as soon as I started taking Livial, and I just wish I could take this combination forever, and I am dreading the day I have to come off Zoladex as I had forgotten how wonderful it is to feel healthy."

• Pri...
• November 26, 2019

For Endometriosis "Zoladex was my lifesaver. I was due for a hysterectomy in March because I had severe endometriosis, multiple fibroids, and a bleeding disorder. My gyn decided to put me on Zoladex for 6 months after my keyhole surgery in order to shrink the womb, fibroids, and manage my endo condition to make my upcoming surgery easy for them, as all reproductive organs were glued together due to endometriosis. But surgery was canceled as my condition improved. No periods for 13 months, never felt so good in 18 years. Celebrated menopause, and bang, the period showed up, but so manageable as I had slight cramps on the first day and no pains till now on my third. Normal bleeding, unlike the previous flooding I used to have. Hoping to go for more shots after my period, as I pray my gyn will continue Zoladex for me. Yes, I experienced menopausal symptoms but was happy with them all, as I preferred the hot flushes and co to losing so much blood from endometriosis pains and blood loss. Thank you, God, I believe I now have a life."

• Dla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2014

For Prostate Cancer "I had very aggressive prostate cancer that led to a radical prostatectomy, but they didn't get all the cancer. Seven weeks of radiation, and the PSA was down to 0.04. It crept up slowly, but when it started doubling every 2-3 months, I was put on Zoladex. Although I have hot flushes and am struggling to maintain fitness and strength, the side effects are minor compared to dying of cancer! My PSA has now dropped back to undetectable."

• Wig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 15, 2016

For Endometriosis "Brittle nails, hair loss, severe depression, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, skin rash, hot flushes, sleepless nights, short temperament, intolerance to alcohol, joint pains, nausea, fatigue, IBS, low libido, painful sex... This drug compromised my mental well-being for a few months of pain relief, it cost me my relationship and almost my job, not worth it at all!"

• Res...
• November 8, 2015

For Endometriosis "I have severe endometriosis. By the time I was 16, the pain was so bad I just lay on the floor in a ball for days in agony. I became resistant/allergic to painkillers, got a DVT from the pill, was told I was too young for a hysterectomy. Every year, the pain reached further. After trying every possible treatment, I was prescribed Zoladex and a calcium supplement (when I was 24). To begin with, I got hot flushes when I wore work shirts - but that's no big deal. I have now gone 14 years without a single symptom - no bleeding, no pain. What I have is an active life, a full-time job - I'm a functional human being! Never thought it possible, can't thank them enough."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2019

For Endometriosis "I was on Zoladex for endometriosis for 3 months. The pain has almost gone. No major side effects except hot flushes. Approx about 1-2 an hour, which affects me especially at night. Low mood now and then, and slight weight gain, which can be fixed with exercise. All symptoms were manageable and worth it for no pain."

• Pet...
• May 28, 2012

For Endometriosis "I've been on Zoladex for 8 months now, I'm just having my 9th injection this week. Positive effects: endometriosis is not inflamed anymore, which increases chances of getting pregnant. No periods, therefore no pain. Side effects: where do I start? The worst is significant weight gain, tiredness, hot flushes, sleepless nights, and low energy levels. Plus, no sex drive whatsoever. But anything to have a baby."

• Ska...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2019

For Endometriosis "I’m on my 5th out of 6 monthly implants and am unlikely to be swayed to go on Zoladex again, as the side effects - particularly severe joint pain, extreme mood drops, and chronic fatigue - are more difficult for me to cope with than the endo. I had a recent diagnosis of Stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis, so the Zoladex implants were prescribed by a leading surgeon after he performed successful excision surgery and removed the left ovary. The Zoladex is used in conjunction with a Mirena. Within the first month of treatment, I was having hot flushes and consistent low-grade headaches, so then was also prescribed Livial to deal with those side effects. I was being treated for anxiety and depression before the Zoladex, but my psychiatrist doubled the dose of Citalopram to 40mg about three months in to deal with the sudden mood drops. I feel like I’ve been hurdling into menopause and am aging rapidly beyond my 42 years."

• Ash...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 3, 2013

For Endometriosis "I have stage 4 endometriosis and have had laparoscopic surgery to remove it from my pelvis/abdomen, but I also have it throughout my bowel, and it has penetrated all the way through. My doctor has put me on Zoladex for 9 months, and I am on month 4. It has helped to manage my pain so far, initially, it had taken virtually all of the pain away, but within the last month, it has slowly been resurfacing, but it is still better than when I don't take it at all. The hot flashes, flushing, slight weight gain, night sweats, trouble sleeping, muscle aches, moodiness, anxiety, vaginal dryness, and lack of sex drive are all bothersome, but it beats being in constant pain, and I know that the symptoms are temporary. I would definitely recommend Zoladex for endometriosis pain."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2020

For Endometriosis "After being diagnosed with stage 4 endo and fibroids, my OBGYN started 6 months of Zoladex. I was told it would be a good month before I felt any difference-but I had the hot flushes come on after about 7 days. The overall effects were amazing. No heavy bleeding and clotting, and no pain, which would normally totally disable me. The side effects I experienced were intense. Hot flushes every 40 minutes, I just wanted to strip off. Interrupted sleep, teeth pain, joint pain... After 3 months, I called my OBGYN, who is a fantastic man, and he sent me a script for a tiny dose of estrogen to lessen the symptoms. What a difference that made-nearly no symptoms. I’ve been off the injections for about 4 weeks now and have just got my first period-I thought it would be at least 8-12 weeks before it came back. Zoladex is great, just make sure you definitely follow up with side effects and don’t just ‘suffer’ them-it is so worth having the injections!!"

• 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."

• 36y...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2022

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "Very bad reaction. I'm a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with breast invasive ductal carcinoma. After lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, I was put on Zoladex, and I developed rheumatoid arthritis after 2 months of the 1st Zoladex injection. Very bad hot flushes, I felt I was burning alive. Bad temper too. Talked with my oncologist and refused to keep doing Zoladex. After 2 months without Zoladex, I no longer have hot flush symptoms, and arthritis symptoms have improved but not gone."

• 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."

• Poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2021

For Endometriosis "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."

• Sur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2019

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "The side effects from this drug have not been as bad as I expected them to be. Hot flushes are the worst of it, particularly at night. I have gained a small amount of weight, but I am trying to eat healthily and exercise regularly to try and combat this."

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 10, 2019

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "Twenty-one years ago, I was given Zoladex as breast cancer treatment. I stopped treatment after 18 months as the hot flushes were severe. Now, two decades later, they are still horrendous. Has anyone else had this experience?"

• VRE...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2017

For Endometriosis "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."

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

For Endometriosis "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."

• 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!"

• 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."

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

For Endometriosis "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

For Endometriosis "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."

• bga...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2021

For Endometriosis "Diagnosed with stage 5 endometriosis at 22. Was put on Synarel nasal spray after surgery in an attempt to reduce leftover bowel endometriosis. Switched to Zoladex after two months on Synarel as I was worried I wasn't taking it correctly. Loved being on Zoladex, despite the hot flushes, mood swings, bit of weight gain. I had no bleeding until the Mirena insertion around my 3rd injection. During the Mirena insertion, the gyno noted a vaginal nodule, meaning the Zoladex unfortunately did not work to reduce the bowel endometriosis."

• GGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 8, 2025

"Had 3 injections to reduce the size of the fibroid. The scan showed that it reduced the fibroid from 10 to 7 cm, but then following the operation, my surgeon said the fibroid was 10 cm. So I don't know if it reduced the fibroid by much. My only problem with this fibroid was that it was blocking my bladder and giving me urinary retention. This stopped as soon as I had my first injection. I was fine with the first 2 injections, but the third was not good. The hot flushes have been intense. It has now been almost 2 months since that 3rd injection, and the hot flushes are still very bad. All day and all night. Hot, cold, sweating. And the insomnia and mood swings. I wish I had not taken this medicine. I should have had the surgery from the outset and not taken the Zoladex."