Zoladex and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• 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."

• kik...
• March 1, 2010

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "I am 32 years old, and I have to take Zoladex for 3 years with the medicine Tamoxifen for 5 years. I have been on Zoladex for about a year now. Some of my side effects include severe mood swings, hot flashes, loss of menstrual cycle, weight gain (28 pounds so far), loss of energy, swelling of hands, and forgetfulness."

• 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."

• And...
• March 24, 2009

For Endometriosis "This is what my doctor gave me. It was better than just going without the medicine - it is a shot given by your doctor or nurse once a month below your belly button. It hurt but only for a second, and it did leave little dot scars from where the needle went. I had treatment for 6 months and didn't have any signs of endometriosis, but the downfall is that you do gain weight from the medicine. When I started, I gained almost 20 pounds, and I tried to maintain it during treatment. Doctor said it's easier to wait until after treatment is over, then work on your weight. Zoladex does work."

• Spr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "I'm now 33 and have been taking Zoladex for 2 years alongside Tamoxifen for 10 years in the UK. This medication gave me the confidence not to have chemotherapy, and for this, I am grateful. The downsides are pretty bad, though. I agree with the previous reviewer. Mood swings, increased body temperature, severe hot flushes and night sweats (trying acupuncture to help), increased sex drive, no periods, significant weight gain! I went from 7.5 stone to 9.5 stone in 18 months, having never had much fluctuation in my weight ever before. My bra size also increased 3 cup sizes. I have gone from being very healthy and slim to quite flabby and 'technically' (BMI) overweight - which hits hard when you feel low self-esteem because of surgery anyway."

• jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2015

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis at 25. I am now 50. I have had 18 laparoscopic surgeries to burn off endo to keep it at bay. I have been put on Zoladex 3 times in the last 10 years, and I have to say that it has been absolutely fantastic every time. Stopped my periods and my pain, which was unbearable at times to the point where I ended up in the hospital having morphine injections numerous times. Yes, I did get hot sweats and a little weight gain, but I will take that any day over the kind of pain that endometriosis brings. The only downside is that you do have to come off it periodically, as you can't stay on it for long periods of time due to its effects on bone density."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 15, 2023

"I was prescribed Zoladex to help stop the growth of my fibroid, it did just that. However, I was thrown into menopause at 21 years old, which is far too young to be experiencing such symptoms. It was awful: the sweating, the irritability, the weight gain, which I’m still, to this day, having so much trouble losing. I stopped Zoladex twice, the first time my period returned within three months, the second time stopping Zoladex, my period still hasn’t returned, and it’s been six months after my last injection. Still to this day, I’m irritable, and I believe Zoladex has made my depression far worse than it was before starting it. There is a chance my periods won’t return, which is devastating as I am still very young. I would go as far as to say Zoladex has ruined my life. I do not feel the same person as I was before taking it."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2012

For Endometriosis "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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 27, 2011

For Endometriosis "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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2023

For Endometriosis "Been on Zoladex for 6 months now. I am pain-free and feeling so glad and happy and feeling normal for some time and not having to be hospitalized. Hot flashes and weight gain have been my only side effects."

• 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."

• 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."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "Leg swelling very much reduced. Urination has improved. Some eczema on upper legs after my first injection. I do have frequent hot flushes and some weight gain."

• 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."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2021

For Endometriosis "3 months in, pain-free, yes, but feel completely exhausted. Also, weight gain."