Lupron Depot and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Oac...
• February 3, 2014

For Prostate Cancer "Started treatment 12/2011 ended 12/2013. The PSA went down as expected for the purpose of treatment, now waiting for side effects to end, which have been: loss of libido, hot flashes especially at night or after a meal, some sweating, loss of body hair, loss of muscle mass, joint and bone pain, tiredness, difficulty to start almost any quest, weight gain, chest/man breast augmentation. Have been taking vitamin D plus calcium, glucosamine, started an exercise program that has helped with muscle buildup, and also helps with better mood, by prescription have taken 3 applications of calcium to the vein. Have had excellent support from wife, have trust my Doctors and first of all God my father."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 28, 2019

For Prostate Cancer "On Lupron beginning July 2017. Now 2019 and still on a 3-month dose. I experience all the known side effects, and it is not much fun. I am 66 years old and have advanced prostate cancer stage 3. My PSA is undetectable since surgery and 40 radiation treatments. Hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, tingle in feet, itching, impotence, and bone aches. PSA is still undetectable...going off Lupron in May 2020...we will see what happens then."

• LJo...
• December 15, 2014

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis and was prescribed Lupron. After reading all of the horrible reviews and side effects, I was terrified to try this. After chatting with my doctor, we both agreed that this would be the most aggressive treatment as my husband and I would like to get pregnant one day. I am on month 3 of the shot, and I have to say that I am pleased. The worst thing are the hot flashes. For me, they are at least 10 times a day! But I will take that over the excessive cramping and pain any day. I feel minor cramps occasionally during the time I would normally have my period. I have experienced no depression, weight gain, weight loss, bleeding, joint pain, etc. I am hoping after the treatments I will be able to conceive."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2015

For Endometriosis "I am 37, and for the most part, have been very healthy... never pregnant and married for three years. I have had an ovarian cyst, but have been controllable. On Nov. 9, 2014, I went to the ER, and the next day I was having a mass and 6' of my colon removed due to endometriosis. I had stage 4. My OBGYN suggested this shot. I read all the reviews and was VERY leery of starting it, but I just took my second shot. It has not been so bad. I have experienced hot flashes and weight gain. I have about 4-6 hot flashes a night, but no sweats yet. I am hungry ALL the time, and it seems the more I eat, the more I want. I can't seem to get full. I have gained 10 pounds in about 6 weeks. My mood has been good, though. I have had to start Osphena due to side effects."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 24, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "Taking Lupron injections for 7 months, out scheduled 18 months for prostate cancer. Experiencing common side effects like hot flashes, weight gain, reduction in size of testicles. Completed 28 treatments of radiation this past May. Taking injections in the buttocks every 3 months. Injections are not bad. A little soreness for a couple of days. The side effects are manageable so far."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Uterine Fibroids "I had the Lupron shot on 1st July 2019 for fibroids. It was fine for the first 2 weeks. Just slight breast soreness and general signs like I was gonna get my period. After the first 2 weeks, I started getting hot flashes, fatigue, and memory loss. Had a lot of problems recalling thoughts. I never bled since I had the shot, which was weird. I thought I'd get one last major period or something. I had surgery to remove my fibroid in early September. The fibroid never shrank. Guess the jab didn't work on me. I'm still getting the hot flashes, and the body aches, as well as fatigue, has gotten worse. I also gained weight! I found the drug increased my appetite. I still haven't gotten my period yet. Kind of happy about that but worried my hormones are all messed up. For reference, I'm 40 years old."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2018

For Endometriosis "I have been on Lupron for about a year. Last year, I had 6 monthly injections. The pain that I was experiencing before taking Lupron was horrible. Within 3 weeks of being on Lupron, I was pain-free with very minimal side effects. One of them was weight gain. For me, the weight gain was way better than the pain that I was experiencing before! I went off the shot for about 6 months, and the pain returned. The second time around, I received a 3-month injection. The pain got worse the first couple of weeks, then it was gone again. Now I feel like I can live a normal, pain-free life again. Still very minimal side effects. This drug has been a lifesaver for me! I read so many horrible reviews of this drug, but honestly, it's been a huge relief for me!!! I now can function again!"

• Lie...
• January 19, 2016

For Endometriosis "The side effects have lasted years, and Lupron itself caused depression. And I gained over 40 pounds rapidly within three months after use. It gave me seizures, and I had blackouts on top of the usual side effects. I was hospitalized for three days because of the seizures. Not worth it! I'm still plagued by the ungodly side effects every single day! Worst decision I ever made. Never again!"

• CDM...
• December 17, 2016

For Endometriosis "I suffer from terrible cramps and fibroids. I do take a low-dose birth control that sometimes barely helps my cramps. I was given the 1 dose a month, 6-month treatment after my GYNO could barely do a vaginal ultrasound for one of my visits, and I had been having a 'period' off and on for over 3 months. The fibroid was so large it obstructed the movement of the wand thingy. I've been on it for 5 months, the 1st month, I still got my awful period and spent my usual $50 on pads and Advil, just as heavy. But by the 2nd month, bye bye Aunt Flo, and it's been pretty okay except for the hot flashes, weight gain, tiredness, and the sore hips, soles, and ankles. The sore hips, soles, and ankles don't hit until the 4th month. The hot flashes just suck!"

• cra...
• June 10, 2015

For Endometriosis "I am very happy I went on Lupron Depot. I am on my 6th month of it, and although the symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness, and some weight gain are not fun, it still is VERY worth it. I have been pain-free (when I was in debilitating pain before) and no period, which is nice. Hopefully, I'll be able to get pregnant soon too!"

• Kia...
• June 30, 2018

For Uterine Fibroids "My experience was horrible. My OB/GYN recommended Lupron for my fibroids. I have 1 large one the size of a grapefruit, 3 the size of tennis balls, and many pea-sized. Surgery was not an option. I get Lupron shots 1 time a month for 6 months. I had 13 acne cysts in total on my face that I had to have surgically removed (over time). I gained 30 pounds almost overnight, and it took me 3 years of intense dieting to get this weight off. My body thought I was going through menopause, so I had the hot flashes as well. I would not do it again. I spent a fortune only to find out after 6 months and all of this that the tumors were the same size. Years later, I am having health issues and wondering if related to Lupron usage."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2019

For Endometriosis "I had severe endometriosis. I had the kind of pain that makes you blackout. I would bleed all over my chair at work. I wear only black or navy pants. So far, I've taken 3 shots, and thankfully I am pain-free. I have no period. But the hot flashes are HORRIBLE. I'm always hot and tired. I don't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. I've gone as far as putting ice packs on my bed so that I can sleep for a few hours. I've gained about 35 pounds in 9 months, my hair is thinning, I ache all over, my vision has decreased so much, I seem to forget everything if I don't write it down. I think I got the entire list of side effects, however, that pain before taking Lupron? No way! I literally shake when I think about it. I'll try to manage."

• Ei...
• December 7, 2016

For Endometriosis "I have endometriosis and adenomyosis, and pain was scary, and I became bedridden some of the days. I had my first Lupron 11.25 mg in June 2016. I am suffering following side effects, but I will continue this medication as pain from endo and adeno is worse than side effects. - Swelling at feet - Weight gain - 6 kg in 6 months - Increased sweating - Hot flash suffered only the first month of this treatment - Fluid retention - Carpal tunnel - Forgetful - Growth of upper lip hair - Slipped disc and compression of the right leg nerves. I am going to take the second injection soon, and after that, I will go for hysterectomy. Btw, I am just 36 :(."

• Men...
• November 20, 2015

For Endometriosis "This drug ruined my joints, chronic pain, I lost an inch in height, and my endometriosis was only gone for three years. I have gained 40 pounds, now have lost my mobility, can no longer dance or go out, I'm only 36, but I feel twice as old. I would never have taken it if I had known it was a chemotherapy drug for prostate cancer."

• 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."

• bit...
• June 11, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis during an appendectomy, but due to cluster headaches, hormones were contraindicated. Eventually, Lupron was advised. My mom, who NEVER had any menstrual cramps, told me horror stories, and I reacted as usual and agreed to the Lupron injections, and I have lived to regret it. Like so many others, I had severe menopausal symptoms, mood swings that made my fiancé think I was bipolar, and attempted suicide twice in a 3-month period, which is very unlike me. It caused weight gain, which I'd never had, and threw me into early menopause at the age of 46, 8 years after treatment. Now I'm suffering from acute hypertension, and I'm at risk for a stroke, which can't be attributed to anything else. But hey, no cramps!"

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2011

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis after having a laparoscopy. I started the Lupron shots not long after the surgery. While the symptoms seemed to fade, the side effects were terrible. I had unbearable mood swings, which caused many problems in the family. The hot flashes were ridiculous. I also ended up gaining about 20 pounds within six months. The pain did subside, and I have not had as much pain since I finished the injections 10 months ago."

• Nas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 5 endometriosis back in the early '90s. My Dr. suggested to me the Lupron shots. The reason we did not do the surgery at that time, I was young and wanted children, so to help with the awful pain and miserable time of the month, we started Lupron injections. Let me say, the side effects were awful! The hot flashes, I wanted to go out into the snow naked to cool off. The mood swings were out of control, however, I was put through the menopause stage and no periods, that was heaven. I was on the injections for 6 months, then after I was off, the wicked horrid pain and cycle started. The weight gain was insane. I had to go back on the injections, but since the weight gain, I quit after the 2nd injection."

• LOR...
• December 4, 2019

For Endometriosis "I've finished my third cycle of Lupron for endometriosis, and it kicked my butt! Each cycle includes an injection each month for 6 months. Once I finish Lupron, I slowly have periods, and each month the pain gets stronger. Last time was bad, but nothing like this. There's no way of describing it other than 'Roid rage.' I couldn't control my emotions. For 2 1/2 months, I was manic. I'm talking fighting fits of rage and sobbing on the floor, which is nothing like myself. I'm almost emotionless. Hot flashes, hair thinning, loss of sex drive. That last one, which I hope doesn't affect you, surprisingly is one of the worst. Gained 30 lbs over 6 months while dieting. Even with an extremely strict diet, I have only managed to lose 2 pounds, and it's been 2 and a half months since my last injection. All in all, I'm not sure if I will go through another treatment of Lupron as all the side effects that affected me seem to get more intense each time."

• Woo...
• March 29, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "Been on Lupron now for 3 1/2 years. I’m 84 years old with metastatic prostate cancer. Lupron did take my PSA from 196 to almost zero. However, I have all the side effects… fatigue, hot flashes, ED, and a 13-pound weight gain around the middle. I’m alive but have very little quality of life. There are new studies showing that very high doses of testosterone (I know it sounds crazy) have been shown to reverse the cancer and give men a much better quality of life. I’m going for a new treatment soon as the Lupron is starting to fail as my PSA is creeping up. My advice is if you can avoid Lupron, do it at all costs. Your life will change with the first shot."

• aha...
• April 2, 2017

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 16, started 6 months (6 injections) of Lupron therapy at 17, and felt amazing. Yes, I gained weight and got the hot flashes, depression, and swollen legs and feet, but it was all worth making the pain go away. Fast forward 5 years, and endometriosis is back with a vengeance, plus I had a golf-ball-sized cyst on my ovary. So I had the lap to have the endo burned out and the cyst removed, and of course the next step was up to me, and I begged for Lupron! Sadly, I've been let down the second time around. Symptoms are all the same, but now the pain is still persistent, even in my 6th month. Major sad face about that."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2024

For Uterine Fibroids "I have been on Lupron for 4 months, about to have my fifth shot. I have a 10 cm submucosal fibroid which was causing pain, severe bleeding, and anemia. Since starting the Lupron, my migraines increased by double (I had to switch meds so I could go to work). I’ve gained 10 pounds, I have night sweats, hot flashes during the day, my mood gets angry and sad the week after the shot, and now my hair is thinning. I also am still bleeding daily (spotting). I was put on progesterone to offset some of the side effects. I have two more shots until my second surgery, and I can’t wait to be off this medication."

• khe...
• October 22, 2009

For Endometriosis "I just had my second shot 6 days ago. I will admit that my pain from the endo is a great deal better than it was. I was a few days late to get my 2nd shot and could feel the symptoms coming back slowly. The side effects are miserable. I don't want to finish out the treatment. Going for a second opinion. Will be trying estradiol today for the hot flashes, which have been the worst, at least 3 an hour, and all night long. Haven't had any weight gain so far, weight loss, probably because I am so paranoid about gaining."