Zoladex and Insomnia: 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ger...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

For Prostate Cancer "I was suffering from anxiety/depression before I took the once-only 10.5 Zoladex jab (pre-op) and felt even more depressed after the injection. Luckily, I don't have to take it anymore. I've also had terrible pain in my knees and insomnia. Only take it if you have to and remember that the side effects are only temporary."

• 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."

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

For Endometriosis "Have had the 3rd Zoladex implant, and the side effects are ramping up. Was born with uterine didelphys, so 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 1, 2018

For Endometriosis "It works, yes... but the side effects are the worst. Insomnia, bone pain, nausea, hot flashes, and weight gain... I hate it, but it's better than endometriosis."