Lupron Depot and Mood Swings: What Users Say

• TZA...
• January 3, 2012

For Uterine Fibroids "I just received my 2nd shot of 3.75 Lupron, and so far, so good! I have heard horror stories not only online, but from my friends who have been on it for various reasons, and I was more than worried to start it. I have one large fibroid, and I was put on Lupron injections to shrink it to make it easier for my husband and me to have a baby after I have a robotic myomectomy in June. I was so afraid of mood swings, but surprisingly, after 5 weeks, I am still very happy. My bloating has gone away for the most part, and I am really looking forward to not bleeding the way I did due to this fibroid! All in all, I am posting on here so that women like myself, a 35-year-old wanting a baby, will know that not all Lupron horror stories will happen to you!"

• str...
• August 18, 2018

For Prostate Cancer "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer stage 4 in 2014. His prostate was removed, and later, he started on Lupron Depot every 3 months. His PSA went down to almost nil. Over the next four years, he has been on Lupron according to his PSA levels. Though Lupron does keep his PSA levels down, his mood swings/anger and his irrational thinking have stressed our relationship. He is mean with comments to me and his actions. He needs Lupron to live, but it has killed our relationship. The oncologist who gave him his first Lupron injection did tell us that one of the side effects of Lupron was that it could increase moods and anger. I am stressing to you wives that Lupron is one ugly drug. It makes people who are receiving Lupron depots very miserable people and their partners/spouses very stressed out, scared at times, lonely, and sad for what is happening in their relationship. Lupron gives the patient quantity of life but not quality of life!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2019

For Uterine Fibroids "I got my first Lupron shot on 07/22/2019 for fibroids. My obgyn decided to put me on Lupron to attempt to shrink my fibroids/Uterus so I can have a safe hysterectomy. I haven't had a menstrual cycle since 07/22/2019, that's awesome. So far I am experiencing: the first week my buttock was very sore/tender from the injection site. I am experiencing a lot of hot flashes throughout the day and at night, they last a few minutes. No night sweats. My body, but mainly my legs, ache and feel tingly/numb. Restless nights, having trouble staying asleep. My hair is now very dry and brittle and hair loss (it was healthy before). Vaginal dryness. Memory problems, trouble focusing. I am forgetting a lot of things. Major mood swings, from very angry to crying. Increased appetite (carb craving). I hope all this is worth it in the end. None of these side effects are unbearable, but I definitely do not feel like myself. Round 2 coming up on 10/22/2019."

• 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"

• Bri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 27, 2018

For Endometriosis "Honestly, I was so sick of having surgeries constantly, so my OB recommended trying Lupron for my endometriosis - 1 shot once a month for 6 months and longer if I would like to. I was told I couldn't have any more babies. I had tried everything, and nothing worked to have another. I got on Lupron for my extreme pain from endo, and for the first month, I got a horrible, period-like period, then after that, I didn't have a period. When I got off it, I was prego and didn't even know. I got my rainbow miracle baby, thanks, Lupron, and my endo hasn't returned since then, thank goodness. Yes, hot flashes, being sick in the morning, tired a lot because I couldn't sleep, and mood swings from hell was all worth it. I will definitely be back on this if my endo comes back!!!! Definitely a 10-star review from me! (I stayed on Lupron for 9 months)."

• sur...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 27, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "Had a prostatectomy in Oct. 2019, and PSA rose in April 2020. Took bicalutamide pills and a Lupron injection in Aug. 2020, second injection in Jan. 2021. The next injection is May 2021. My side effects are mostly really bad hot flashes day and night, extra fat around my waist, and got the mood thing going. My wife said I should talk to the doc before the next dose. I also got an inguinal hernia after surgery. It is a hard drug to live with, but at 71 years old, I'll take it every day. I see the doc next month for a checkup after a blood test. I also had 39 radiation visits in Jan. 2021. I hope my PSA is still around 0.034 due to Lupron. I have to take a total of 5 injections, which have been every 4 months. Good luck to people who have to take this route."

• Anonymous
• March 26, 2009

For Endometriosis "I am on my 2nd shot of Lupron, and I am not liking the new me. Everyone says after the first 6 weeks it gets better. I don't know if I can take anymore or if anyone else can take my mood swings. I am very hormonal, frustrated all the time, and mad about everything. My job and family are suffering. The hot flashes are constant, I am miserable. I don't think I will continue with the other shots."

• bar...
• October 30, 2013

For Endometriosis "Feb this year I had an ovarian cyst on my right ovary rupture, it was the size of my 3-year-old's head. When they operated, they found I was covered with endo... ah, finally a reason for my pain for the last 2 years... I have just finished my 6-month course. Endo pain fine, but OMG the side effects, dealt with hourly hot flushes home and at work.. gained 10 kgs (awesome), but the mood swings, REOW!! my poor partner. Lucky he is amazing... no pain yet, but have to wait and see what's next. Maybe Mirena."

• Ind...
• March 4, 2008

For Endometriosis "The shot is not too bad in the butt cheek. My problems were the side effects. I think that the hot flashes are the worst of it. I am on my 5th shot, and now I am going through a lot of mood swings as well."

• jul...
• October 6, 2015

For Endometriosis "I've been suffering with very painful menstruation and chronic pelvic spasms for over 20 years. The first time I did Lupron, it was a godsend, finally, I didn't have to plan my life and work around my period. Now I'm on a second round. I'm using the 3-month injection, and I love life. Yes, I have hot flashes, and I can be a bit emotional at times, but I'm not in pain, and that is what I was going for. I'm 42 now, and I'm hoping I can stay on this medication until I'm 50. I would really hate to go back to having to deal with this again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2012

For Endometriosis "I received my first Lupron shot a couple of weeks ago. In the past two weeks, I have noticed that my pain isn't as bad or as often as it was before the shot. The downside is the mood swings and hot flashes. I thought I had a few weeks before I started experiencing the side effects, but I guess not. I know that the next six months are going to be rough, but the way I see it... I've been suffering for five years already, what is six months of hell to help make it all go away? In my opinion, the Lupron shot is worth it."

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2011

For Endometriosis "I was actually surprised to learn I had stage 4 endometriosis, along with 2 endometriomas and a dermoid cyst. I had always had a poochy gut and severe menstrual cramps since I was 16. I am 27 now and have been pain-free for the last 5 months on Lupron Depot. I had a laparoscopic cystectomy and a laparotomy this year. I did suffer side effects of hot flashes and mood swings, but was prescribed 1 mg estrogen daily, and I'm pretty much normal! In about 6 weeks, I will begin trying to conceive my first child! The Lupron and my doctor have been a blessing!"

• 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."

• Lal...
• November 5, 2018

For Endometriosis "I will say I virtually have no periods and have had maybe 3 endo pain days that don’t come close to what the pain used to be. NOW the side effects are horrid! BUT I’ll take the side effects over the pain in periods. My bones ache, not unbearable, but uncomfortable. The night sweats, bad but bearable. I’m tired lots, but I can function with some caffeinated tea & B12 for energy. Mood swings and little depression/anxiety. It’s not intense depression for me, like nothing that makes me want to harm myself, it’s just more of a dark cloud following you around. So if you have mental “instability” before taking the drugs, make sure you talk to your doctor. I did not lose hair, and my hair did NOT thin/fall out. I did not gain weight. The side effects still make the medicine worth taking because I have no pain or real periods. I get the shot every 3 months (I’m on 9 months) and take a pill that comes in the shot package. The pill is taken daily, shot is every 3 months for me. Good luck!"

• Swe...
• January 6, 2017

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 1 endometriosis after I had a laparoscopy. My doctor suggested Lupron Depot for six months (2 shots). I have been on Lupron Depot for almost 3 months where it is time to get my second shot. I am almost sure I will not get the second shot. I am in worse pain than I was before the shot, and I have had NONSTOP bleeding. You are not supposed to be bleeding while on Lupron, especially for three months. I have an appointment with my doctor soon about my next step. The medicine is supposed to rid you of pain-but for me, it caused it to worsen. In regards to other side effects such as hot flashes, depression, mood swings, etc., I don't have any of that! Bottom line, I wish I never would have gotten this medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2012

For Endometriosis "I am only one week into the Lupron, and my pain has begun to not ease, but not be as sharp as it was at all times. I can finally breathe and think before the next stabbing pains begin. But about two days ago, I got mood swings. I seem insane, I'm fine, then I'm screaming. I'm only 17, and this is NOT what I need along with the disease. I hope it gets better, for I won't have any friends at the end of the six months."

• Alm...
• November 13, 2011

For Endometriosis "I have been receiving Lupron shots since August 2011. December will be shot number five. Within the first two weeks after receiving my first shot, I noticed a huge difference in pain. How awesome! I had been dealing with this pain since 2008. I had exploratory surgery and tried Chinese medicine along with acupuncture and found no relief. Lupron has been the first thing to help me be almost completely pain-free. Will post again after the 6th injection. I had one huge mood swing after my 1st shot and very little hot flashes. I am not craving chocolate as much but have found myself craving milk (I have always been a milk drinker)."

• Anonymous
• March 18, 2010

For Endometriosis "I just had my 5th shot yesterday. The past few months have been painless in regard to side effects other than night sweats and mood swings. I have not gained any weight, and everything seems pretty normal. Once again, other than the mood swings. These are harsh, and sometimes I feel like another person has taken over my body and thoughts."

• Anonymous
• January 1, 2010

For Endometriosis "I did a 6-month treatment of Lupron, and it wasn't that bad. The first couple of months, I experienced migraines and hot flashes. For the remainder of the treatment, I continued to experience the hot flashes, but my mood swings became very uncomfortable for my family, friends, and me. I would one minute be calm and neutral...the next minute I would become mean and hateful. That was never how I was prior to the treatment. However, I completed my treatment in August 2009, and I haven't had any problems with my endometriosis at all. My doctor has now given me the option to either get pregnant or continue with birth control pills until I decide to become pregnant to maintain the endometriosis. I highly recommend this method if you can withstand the side effects."

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2009

For Endometriosis "I have taken monthly injections for the past 6 months. I had a very difficult time for the first 6 weeks of treatment, but since then have not had many side effects. I had severe stomach cramping initially, along with migraines and mood swings. As those side effects subsided, the hot flashes began. With the hot flashes came nausea and unpredictable crying fits. My doctor put me on a low dose of Estradiol and Prozac. Within a few days, I was pretty much back to my old self, minus the horrible belly pains. I have to say, overall the good outweighs the bad."

• Anonymous
• November 8, 2009

For Endometriosis "I was very pleased with my Lupron experience. I was on a six-month course and found the first three to four months easy. I did experience hot flashes, mood swings, and slight insomnia. My fifth and sixth months were a little more difficult for me. The hot flashes became a little more apparent, the mood swings more frequent, and my face began to break out. To me, that was the worst. Along with the Lupron, I had a laparoscopy 2 months before the medication, and I started acupuncture treatments about a month before beginning Lupron, which really helped with the side effects. My pain levels before medication were unbearable. I could hardly bring myself to get out of bed. I now notice that my pain level is low if I have any at all."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2015

For Endometriosis "I took the shot for 6 months. I had issues that I could tolerate, such as vision change. The injection would shoot pain across my lower back. Well, it's been 8 months since I had a shot. It took me 2 months before my period returned. I recently started experiencing pain in my belly button. Vision was getting worse, mood swings. The end of April, my period was bad, then 2 weeks later, I had another one. I was ready to have everything removed. I had given up hope of having a baby... So, out of the blue, I missed my period, and now I'm 5 weeks PREGNANT!! I wish everyone good luck and hang in there!"

• Ang...
• February 4, 2020

For Endometriosis "My doctor told me about Lupron Depot, told me the side effects, and I was weary because it's an antineoplastic. I started it along with the add-back therapy of Provera 5 mg and had barely any side effects the first few weeks. Then I slowly started to gain hot flashes and some cramping in my right ovary where my cyst was. My period stopped before the second shot. I will say not to get it in the arm (deltoid) because my first shot was in my right arm, and it hurt even a month after. I get my fourth shot on the 18th, and I can tell you, the benefits will outweigh the negative side effects I'm having. So far I've had: thinning and loss of hair, my back and neck constantly hurt, hot flashes 2-6 times a day (mainly at night), vaginal dryness, which causes a lot of pain during sex, mood changes (I cry a lot)."

• Des...
• February 20, 2016

For Endometriosis "Desperate for relief after 2 surgeries within 3 months of each other, I was so hopeful about this medication. I ignored the reviews and got the shot (11.75 dosage administered every 3 months). I regret my choice so much. First, the expense! Even with insurance, my out-of-pocket was $1,100. The mood swings were so bad that I became suicidal. I've gained 20 pounds that exercise and nutrition can't shed. The hot flashes were controlled by an OTC called Estroven. The pain did subside, but only for the 1st month after each shot (I got 2 shots total). Now, the pain is back and worse than ever and I'm only on month 5 of the treatment. Surgery #3 scheduled in 2 weeks. This med is NOT worth the side effects."