Lupron Depot and Headaches: What Users Say

• Kri...
• May 15, 2015

For Uterine Fibroids "I've been on Lupron since March 2015. Just had my 2nd shot. I have to tell you it's taken 100% of my nagging back pain and cramps away. I even lost 12 pounds after the first shot. It started to wear off towards the end so I took the shot 2 weeks early. I had surgery on May 12th to remove a huge polyp and 2 fibroid tumors - all benign. I'm having hot flashes, some headaches, some joint pain and that's about it. These symptoms are worth the trade from previous symptoms. I only hope my doctor gives me a hysterectomy soon. She feels Lupron will shrink the fibroids outside my uterus. I'm almost 50 so she says I should hold off on the hysterectomy. I want all this done with. Good luck to all of you."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2018

For Uterine Fibroids "I am 52 (5'8", 155 lbs) with a large (13 cm) intramural fibroid (fibroid within the muscle wall of the uterus). In case I had any adverse reaction to Lupron, I decided to take the low dose injection (1 time a month) instead of the single high dose that lasts three months. I felt pretty okay with Lupron, other than a dull headache that lingered on for two months (I only had two injections). The actual fibroid did not shrink much after two months (from 13 to 11 cm), but the surgeon said it made the fibroid softer. I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy with success. I was 90% recovered after five days."

• I...
• August 19, 2016

For Uterine Fibroids "I have been on Lupron for 3 years. I began the shot in 2013 with an 11 cm fibroid that was too large for surgery at the time. I am now in my late 50s and still testing positive on hormone tests. In other words, if I go off Lupron, I am assuming the fibroid will grow again and I will begin to menstruate again and have heavy bleeding and large clots. My headaches became much less, and I only have hot flashes towards the end of my 3-month shot. I get shots quarterly. My bone density was just shy of normal with no concerns for many years. I take calcium, D3, and K2 (MK7 - helps make calcium go to bone, not soft tissue like calcification and bone spurs). For me, it has been the best thing in my life. I can't imagine why people have bad results. Oh, and no weight gain."

• Lex...
• October 5, 2015

For Endometriosis "Don't do it! I got the 3-month shot 1 month ago and have had these symptoms so far: constant and severe pelvic pain, sharp lower back pain, pain when the bladder is full and when emptying, lots of migraines and headaches, nausea, vomiting, high anxiety, extreme fatigue, very low mood swings, loss of appetite, and insomnia. The worst symptom of all is the severe depression, I have had several thoughts of suicide. I would rather deal with just the pain than all of these together. I was told by my doctor the only symptom I would get is hot flashes, and she had only heard of success stories with this drug, that was a total lie. If you react badly with other birth controls, do not do Lupron, it's a living nightmare!"

• MoM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2020

For Endometriosis "I was put on Lupron Depot for three months for endometriosis. I received an injection every month. My treatment started in January and ended the first Saturday in March 2020. The side effects weren't all that bad. I got my period on my dose, but it eventually went after that. I had, however, severe headaches that made me dizzy, experienced some mood changes (mostly anger), painless sex, hot flashes (manageable), and joint pains at the end of my last shot. The joint pains are mostly in my knees and fingers, but I only experience those after waking from a nap. Once I get up and start moving about, they disappear. I now await my cycle to return. It has been eight weeks since my last injection, and signs of my period returning are back. I'm spotting and experiencing mild cramps. All in all, my experience wasn't bad. Hope this helped someone. Oxoxox"

• Ray...
• June 25, 2015

For Endometriosis "Worst mistake of my life! I had one 3-month shot when I was 17, and I'm still regretting it (I'm 21 now). I was pretty much paralyzed while on it. I couldn't move on my own. I needed help to even sit up in bed. I missed so much school/work and cried almost all day, every day. I was in so much more pain. I was constantly sick (vomiting, nausea, painful bowel movements, headaches, joint pains), and the menopause symptoms were absolutely crazy. I still, to this day, have stomach issues I didn't have before. I have bone density loss as well. I will never recommend this drug to any woman. It is not meant for us."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2018

For Uterine Fibroids "This shot did not shrink my fibroids in my uterus before my operation. As a matter of fact, they grew. It’s going on four months since I’ve had the shot, I already had my operation. I do still have my ovaries. I’m still getting hot flashes. I have a headache every day of different levels. The nausea almost went away. Hot flashes are worse at night, so I’m losing a lot of sleep. For the last three weeks, my legs have been aching every day when I get up. I have no desire to have sex. This is definitely miserable. My doctor said the effects of the Lupron would be gone in three months, but they’re still here. I don’t recommend the shot for anybody for any reason."

• upt...
• December 4, 2017

For Uterine Fibroids "I was so skeptical about these shots, scared to death of the side effects after reading posts. I could kick myself! My shirts fall past my waist, I always looked pregnant. Slight headache, took generic aspirin, did the trick, hot flashes, weird but not that bad. Cycle, had one regular (heavy) period then skipped. Overall, I was so satisfied, I just called and ordered my second shot (I get them quarterly). Everyone reacts differently to different types of medication. What works for others may not work for you, but this did work for me. Good luck. Sorry for the grammar stuff, I was in a rush."

• alp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2018

For Uterine Fibroids "I am 28 with a 21 cm x 13 cm uterine fibroid. I was told my surgery would be risky and would leave me with a scar from under my chest to my pelvic area. Since I am only 28 and would like to have children of my own, they decided to put me on Lupron for 6 months to shrink the fibroid by hopefully 50% and have a much smaller and less risky surgery. Went on the shot in June, with the first month being the hardest, with headaches, night sweats, hot flashes, and my first period being very heavy with lots of clots. But I am on my second shot, 2.5 months in, and I can say most of those symptoms went away. I only get hot flashes, which are definitely bearable."

• lup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2018

For Uterine Fibroids "I had very heavy periods. My doctor offered a Lupron shot. I decided to go with 2 Lupron shots hoping it would shrink my fibroid. Instead, my fibroid grew bigger. It caused me horrible headaches with the strongest painkillers not helping. After each shot, my period would not stop for a month (at least it was not heavy). Hot flushes were horrible. Good night's sleep was gone. I would wake up multiple times a night, all drenched in sweat. After the effect of Lupron wore out and my period restarted, it was as heavy as before. The only benefit I got was not having a period for a few months (with some bleeding in between), but at a very high price (side effects and actual price). I think, as heavy as my period was, it was better to have my period for a few days a month than have frequent very bad headaches and constant hot flashes. I would not recommend it based on my experience. I would not have it done if I had to decide today."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2016

For Uterine Fibroids "Received a 3-month shot two weeks ago to stop heavy menstrual bleeding in preparation for a hysterectomy next month. My period started, and the bleeding is just as extreme as usual. No relief in blood or pain with this drug. Have experienced hot flashes (minor), headaches (minor), night sweats, nausea (moderate), and have pain in the upper right back area. Will be seeing the doctor later this week to get checked on. I know it's early in the process, but I'm disappointed. I took it knowing about the side effects, but was willing to go along with them to get my bleeding under control and to build up my iron stores."

• Mel...
• September 27, 2018

For Endometriosis "I had severe cervical dysplasia requiring a portion of my cervix to be removed, chronic pain, PCOS, and was diagnosed with severe endometriosis following laparoscopic removal of many adhesions from my uterus and scarring of my ovaries. My OB recommended I do six to nine months of Depot Lupron after my laparoscopy to keep the endo at bay and help reduce scarring. I started out with the one-month shot and felt okay, a little achy, and some hot flashes. I went back to get the three-month shot. I was miserable, but my OB really pushed me to keep going with it. I am on my second three-month shot, and I am not me anymore. I am moody, extremely depressed, my bones hurt, I've gained 20 lbs, I'm fatigued, anxious, have insomnia, headaches, and have had horrible gastrointestinal symptoms. It is ruining my marriage. My work performance has suffered. I am foggy and forgetful. Everything is an effort. I will not be getting the last shot and hope this hasn't caused irreversible damage!"

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2019

For Uterine Fibroids "I got the Lupron 3-month shot in January. I’ve had so far now the hot flashes, some abdominal pain, depression, and now these headaches I keep getting. The bleeding stopped, which is the good part. But the headaches have got to go. I don’t like to have to keep taking medication. Those are my only issues."

• KYR...
• February 2, 2016

For Uterine Fibroids "This drug was the worst form of treatment for my multiple symptoms - daytime hot flashes and steady period was not worth it. I was administered this drug in 2008, and since then, my life has never been the same. Forgetfulness covered in laughter by co-workers; poor cognitive skills, no sex drive, and no desire to be touched. Headaches, blurred vision; quick weight gain, and most of all, I quit my job, and I'm still trying to figure out why when I was financially stable. Who was I? Something in my brain is out of sync. I was not a person that took medicines. The male doctor pushed this on me, and I was a patient with that organization for over 10 years, and I was the only 32 years old and super active!"

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2010

For Endometriosis "At first, I really thought the Lupron treatments were worth it, but now that I have made a trip to the Emergency Room. Well, let's just say if you are going to go the route of Lupron, you better be single. This drug takes its toll on the family, not just you. Everyone goes through the mood swings, headaches, blood pressure scares, joint pain, feeling like you are going to pass out. So, no taking your kids to school or sporting events. No joining carpools. Don't get too far away from the restroom, urinating more often is not unusual. The things that are the easiest to handle are the hot flashes, night sweats, and chills."

• Sin...
• September 4, 2019

For Endometriosis "So I’ve been on Lupron Depot with an add-back for 10 months. I have severe endometriosis. I would bleed severely every month for at least two weeks, if not longer, with the worst pain of my life. I wanted to die. I definitely wasn’t living. The smallest movements, and I’d be soaked in blood. The pain was literally unbearable, and I’d have to make a trip to the emergency room. Yes, I do have side effects from the Lupron Depot: headaches, tired and drained, and for a few weeks out of my three-month cycle, my body hurts so bad I can barely walk around. But these side effects have nothing on the pain and depression I was suffering before. I had no life at all. Everything revolved around my period. It’s the only thing that’s given me relief."

• Ash...
• January 4, 2020

For Endometriosis "I have severe endometriosis and adenomyosis and am scheduled for a hysterectomy on Jan 29th. My doctor wanted me to get a couple of Lupron injections so that I can have some pain relief as well as experience some of the symptoms I will be dealing with after my surgery. Well, it's been 3 weeks since my first (and LAST) injection. I have night sweats every night as well as a full aching headache all day long. The headache goes away with Tylenol or sleep but is back the very next day. So I'm hoping the headaches stop once this horrible drug is out of my system. Didn't have headaches until I got this injection!!"

• Mon...
• September 18, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts and endometriosis at 18 years old (very early to find). I've suffered 4 years of this before I got diagnosed until eventually I was rushed to the hospital from the pain. My only option was Lupron Depot shot, I got the 11 mg one. Worst decision of my life. I am thankful for having 100% coverage because it would've been a waste of money. I feel sad, depressed, anxious, it's awful. I already have depression and anxiety. I feel like I'm going through withdrawals, I get heat flashes. The pills they give, what they call Norlutate, didn't help the symptoms, I've noticed they made it worse. I had headaches every single day. I wouldn't recommend this shot. I'm still having period pain, and it's been 3 months."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2018

For Endometriosis "Within one week of starting Depot Lupron, I was struck with severe headaches and fatigue. Muscle and joint pain set in, and sleep became impossible. I have had no relief from my endometriosis pain. Pelvic pain is daily and constant. Dull aches in my lower abdomen and sharp shooting pain through my colon. Even with add-back therapy, I have had hot flashes and severe waves of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. I wish I had never gotten it. This is the second time my doctor has put me on this 'medication' with zero results or relief from my symptoms. I only feel worse. It has made me and my relationship suffer. It's not worth it."

• Fri...
• April 14, 2016

For Endometriosis "I've only had one dose of Lupron; before going on it, I did my research. One side effect is horrible insomnia (which I have). I know not every single change in my body can be blamed on the Lupron. I have endometriosis, and the Lupron basically puts you in a state of menopause. Headaches, insomnia, sweats, and mood swings were very bad the first couple of weeks; now my stomach hurts! So I think I can pick and choose what the medicine is responsible for and what the state of chemical menopause is doing to me."

• Anonymous
• April 26, 2012

For Endometriosis "Got first shot Jan 2012. Side effects: night sweats, hot flashes, headache, and muscle ache all bearable, but hot flashes have interfered with sleep. Just got 2nd shot this week, 4-24-12. Have sore throat and headache, seem to be more agitated and irritable. Hot flashes are a bit worse, and headaches are coming back. Overall, if this is the gist of side effects, all worth it to make sure cancer, if spread, does not come back. Had hysterectomy Nov 2011 and found cancer in uterus. Doctors said it was contained to uterus, but for safety precautions, put me on Lupron."

• Fau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 9, 2021

"I took this drug when I was 8 years old, to stop my body from going through early puberty. I’m now 19, and I can say this drug has ruined my life. I have extremely severe depression and pain almost everywhere. My thyroid doesn’t produce anymore, I have had a headache almost every day since then, and my joints are in a lot of pain. Please, for the love of God, only take it if it’s your final resort. The only thing positive I can say is that it technically did its job, but for me at least at a severe cost."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2021

"I had a 1-month dose of Lupron last year, and I seemed to be fine with it. I was just given a three-month dose, and it’s not been good. I’m over 5 weeks, and I’ve had headaches ever since the injection, not sleeping great, irritated, tired, etc. I wasn’t expecting to feel this way. It’s done the job of stopping my period, as I’m going to be doing an IVF transfer. I do have endometriosis, but I don’t have issues with it, never even knew I had it till I had a laparoscopy. I would say read about the medication, make the best choice for you. If I were to do it again, I would take it monthly, then you have more control. Once it’s in your body, you can’t reverse it. Having headaches and taking pain meds every day isn’t fun, I hope it gets better. Good luck, everyone."

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2021

For Endometriosis "Just got my second 1-month Depot shot yesterday. I can't say I like it, but it's also not terrible. I have had hot flashes at night or sometimes during the day. I wake up more often at night, usually because of hot flashes or sweating. I am not used to feeling warm, I rather feel cold quickly. Kind of nice to feel warm actually. Definitely not horrible. Didn't gain any weight so far, had definite some sugar and carb cravings, but switched to a sugar-free, low-carb diet and feel much better on it. Also, working out daily helps. I've had one real breakdown moment a couple of weeks ago, but I am also in a difficult life-changing situation, so I wouldn't completely blame it on the drug. However, that was one day, and then I was feeling okay again. I've had joint pain in my elbows and a few headaches (I never have headaches), and I feel vaginal dryness. Definitely felt increased libido the first two weeks. All in all, not too bad. No idea if it's working yet, but I'm hopeful and would do it again."

• Bad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2022

For Endometriosis "Almost as soon as the injection of Lupron Depot 3.75 was administered, I experienced the most horrible night sweats hourly, making sleep impossible, burning palms of hands, raised pulse, and headaches. Two weeks after the injection, I experienced pain in knees, difficulty in crouching, walking up and down stairs, increased pain in joints, hands, and feet."