Leuprolide and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Wal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 9, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "Have had one month injection of Eligard and will not be taking another. Side effects including hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, joint pains, mood swings, memory loss - I get the lot. Worst decision I ever made and hope the effects wear off ASAP. I would rather take my chances than be half the person I am now. Reading other comments where there seems to be no ending to the side effects gives me little hope for a reprieve. Oncologist gave me no impression I would be suffering like this. Just 'this is the standard treatment' - it does not cure the disease just supposedly slows it. Personally I would rather have less time and good quality of life."

• Bil...
• May 21, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "Massive radical prostate surgery in 1997. Clear of the return of cancer until 2016, with a low PSA of 18 when discovered at my annual physical. No radiation, only Eligard every six months. Here it is 2020, and I am 86 years of age. Only side effects are an increase in weight (15 pounds), low energy level, and increased breast size. Never had hot flashes or sweating. COVID-19 has kept my wife and me housebound for the past 3 months, and we enjoy life in states of happiness, bliss, and joy. If one lives long enough, prostate cancer will eventually put you under. Too many symptoms to make a doctor's appointment. When I think it is cancer of the wrist, it's arthritis. When I think it's cancer of the lumbar region, it's vertebral discs. So why think you're going to live forever? Enjoy the love your wife, children, and friends offer and learn to appreciate how cancer progresses during the last phase of life. My wife has NEVER heard me complain."

• mik...
• September 17, 2009

For Prostate Cancer "I've been on Lupron (after prostate surgery) for a period of 7-1/2 years. I am also on 50mg Casodex. The side effects are minor (hot sweats, decreased energy). Injection sites were moved after 6 years from buttocks to shoulders due to lower back pain. I hope this gives hope to patients about to begin this regimen."

• Mr ...
• October 26, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "Diagnosed with stage 4 PC in my right hip. PSA for years was between 2.0 to 3.5. Went from 3.5 to 29 in one year! I encourage all with a PSA of over 3.0 to get a bone density test! Started Lupron 30-day shot on July 5th, 2016. First 3 months went from 29 to 3, so heading in the right direction. Bone pain reduced after the first shot by more than 75%. Hot flashes around the clock, roughly 10 to 12 a day with an intensity level of about a 5 or 6. Very annoying but tolerable. Miscellaneous aches and pains in joints and muscles. Occasional fogginess and definitely wake up too much to pee. I'm trying Flomax now, I hope to see some improvement. Fatigue is real! I can't tell if this is harder on my family than me! So far, so good. God bless to ALL!"

• WWI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2014

For Prostate Cancer "Had my first injection of Lupron 7.5 mg in July, second injection at the same dosage is set for August 21. So far no hot flashes or side effects. Have been taking Casodex simultaneously (30-day supply) which will end shortly. Only side effect from that initially was fatigue, which resolved after 5 days. Decided to insist on 1-month Lupron injections instead of a 3-6 month extended dose as PC support group participants on the once-a-month dose had far fewer side effects. I'm sticking to my guns on this one, MD tried to give me a 6-month dose right off the bat. I'm switching MDs and glad I did it this way. Hope this helps others."

• Len...
• July 13, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "Eight months into Lupron plus Casodex, and I am refusing the next three-month shot. PSA went from 5.7 to 0.2 to 0.1, and I am just finishing up nine weeks of radiation. GL scores were mostly 9's, but no metastatic found. To say a less common side effect is loss of libido is just plain BS. About a month after the first shot, I was done with sex. The doctor said once the testosterone is gone, that's normal. Little aches and pains linger, my testicles shrink, I lost all hair under my arms and it's slow-growing elsewhere. Sometimes I seem to be in a fog mentally. Hot flashes like you wouldn't believe until they offered me other meds, which help somewhat. I put on five pounds of blubber below the belly. Lack of energy as well. It works, but I think doctors keep you on it too long for stage 1 or 2 cancers."

• Pat...
• July 24, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "I just got my 3rd shot of Eligard. Hard to say exact side effects, because I also have end-stage COPD. I haven't got a PSA yet, prior to Eligard, it was 7, then 17, then 24. Due to COVID, I put off seeing an oncologist for 7 months. I got both Moderna vax in March. I started radiation in April and finished on June 9. It seems each shot of Eligard is getting a bit worse. This last one hurt and burned longer, a minor issue. Hot flashes seem more frequent. I too go to the bathroom about 9 or 10 times a night, every 1 to 1.5 hours, but that was happening before Eligard. I am dizzy a lot, and I don't have much energy (I used to be quite active). I am 66 years old. My cancer rated as Stage 3, there were tumors on 8 of 12 biopsy samples. Surgery wasn't an option since scans showed it may have spread to lymph nodes. I will update this (if possible) with my PSA score this September. Good luck to everyone. I can't recommend Eligard or condemn it as of this writing."

• 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."

• Nis...
• August 5, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "Diagnosed Stage 4 prostate cancer-July 2012-PSA=8. Radical prostatectomy-October 2012-PSA=0.6. Forty days of radiation-April 2013-PSA=0.1. PSA=0.3-Jan 2015. PSA=1.0-March 2015. First Lupron injection-April 2015-PSA=0.1. Second Lupron injection-Oct 2015-PSA=0.1. Third Lupron injection-April 2016-PSA=0.1. Fourth Lupron injection-Oct 2016-PSA=???. Lupron injections accompanied by daily tablets of Bicalutamide. Side effects: penis shrinkage (afraid it will soon disappear), libido absent, hot flashes, some insomnia, increased neuropathy, some itching, inflammation in hands, extreme fatigue. All side effects manageable-beats being dead-and has allowed me time to tie up loose ends and who knows-I may have years ahead!"

• Anonymous
• April 10, 2011

For Uterine Fibroids "Side effects experienced from 3-month shot: hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, cognitive 'fuzziness', decreased memory. I experienced a significant temporary reduction in fibroid size/abdomen size (pre-surgery)."

• 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!"

• Woo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "I’m a 66-year-old male who was diagnosed with moderately aggressive prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 8 and PSA of 7.2. I’ve had 2 Lupron injections, which have caused the following side effects: a chemical smell, muscle weakness, hot flashes, fatigue, PSA -"

• Bik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer around Thanksgiving 2020 and given a one-month dose of Eligard about 2 months later. Then two more 6-month hormone shots of Eligard. I have also had SBRT and brachytherapy. So, while it is difficult to assign the side effects I am experiencing to the Eligard alone, I am affected by nearly all its known side effects. I have zero libido, 4 or 5 hot flashes per day, major loss of strength and energy, genital shrinkage, body hair loss, weight gain, frequent urination at night, some short-term memory loss, mood changes, apathy, and increased frequency of bowel movements. I have trouble carrying groceries up the stairs where I live now because of my loss of strength. I have continued to exercise, and I take calcium, vitamin D, and multivitamin supplements, but I am still getting progressively weaker. The good news is my PSA is around zero now, and if it doesn’t increase, I won’t have to get another Eligard injection when this last one wears off."

• Kri...
• February 18, 2020

For Endometriosis "Ok y’all, I admit before taking Lupron Depot 11.25 mg, 3-month injection; I read every review I could find. I was disappointed to find mainly negative reviews, but I took a leap of faith and decided to get the injection anyway. Within the first month, I truly regret that decision. In tough situations, I typically look for the silver lining. However, I was not prepared for the extreme fatigue (no more 5 a.m. workouts), hot flashes all day, every day, night sweats that literally leave my side of the bed soaked (it’s totally gross), but the topper is body aching and hurting down to my muscles and bones like I have the flu... every day going on 63 days straight. I am 38 years old, in good shape, active when I started the injection. I was 115 lbs; I am now 130 lbs with no energy. Needless to say, I am declining the second treatment and look forward to 2-6 months when all of the side effects should fully wear off and hopefully get my normal life back."

• duc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "I have been on Lupron for 6 months (2 of the three-month injections). This drug is very effective in slowing the prostate cancer growth. Testosterone is the fuel for PC. My testosterone level went from 840 to 11 in three weeks after my first injection! However, there surely are side effects. Mine are: 1. Fatigue and low energy with breathlessness upon exercise. 2. Hot flashes. 3. Low red blood cell count (anemia). 4. Lack of sexual desire and unable to perform. 5. Shrunken testicles and penis. The side effects are frustrating...but you can tough them out. God has given me strength, and without my faith...this would be much tougher. My wife has been an angel with her constant support. Good luck!"

• duc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "I have been on Lupron for 6 months (2 of the three-month injections). This drug is very effective in slowing the prostate cancer growth. Testosterone is the fuel for PC. My testosterone level went from 840 to 11 in three weeks after my first injection! However, there surely are side effects. Mine are: 1. Fatigue and low energy with breathlessness upon exercise. 2. Hot flashes. 3. Low red blood cell count (anemia). 4. Lack of sexual desire and unable to perform. 5. Shrunken testicles and penis. The side effects are frustrating...but you can tough them out. God has given me strength, and without my faith...this would be much tougher. My wife has been an angel with her constant support. Good luck!"

• 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."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "My husband cannot comment, as he died 5 years ago. He was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer. He also had radiation treatments. He suffered from fatigue, depression, and insomnia. Radiation caused damage to the urethra. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was low while on Lupron Depot, but he was miserable and committed suicide. It would have been nice to have an alternative treatment. He didn’t want to live that way."

• Anonymous
• April 3, 2012

For Endometriosis "I got my first dose a month ago. The main side effects I am experiencing are hot flashes, much decreased appetite (not complaining there), and fatigue. I will take all those any day rather than deal with endometriosis pain. So I am definitely pleased with the Lupron treatment. It's nice to not be in so much pain. I would call off work and stay in bed and cry. So big difference!"

• 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!"

• Me2...
• August 31, 2018

For Endometriosis "Took the 3-month Lupron Depot shot just one time. It's now 3 months since I had the shot. My reasons for taking this poison are due to extreme PMDD condition, which I also have endo, but the PMDD outweighs! So all my symptoms since the very first week of the injection have been severe hot flashes, night sweats, more fatigue, whole body aches. Just in the last month, my hair has been falling out! Very dry, thin now - I'm extremely moodier than before. This was the worst thing I've done, and I'm super mad at all these doctors who really have no clue what they're doing to people. We are all their guinea pigs. I went 4 days ago to the doctor, and he put me on Primaire (hormone replacement). I'm waiting in misery to see if this added med helps. So far, the new med has had me in tears every day for no reason, a massive migraine, and overall losing my mind! Never ever take Lupron! Just do an internet search on Lupron victims."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Uterine Fibroids "This is user Jennybean from the review below (August 12, 2020). I could not log in with that username, so here's my update: I got my first injection on 08/14/20. Ultimately, I am getting the 3 month 11.25 MG Kit. So I assume I will get 2 more shots. I got the shot in my butt cheek and it did not hurt or flare up. The side effects for me so far: a couple of short-lived hot flashes here and there. Fatigue and my boobs are sore (like before a period and wearing a bra sucks as a result). These effects are medium-mild and are not overwhelming. I'd say the fatigue and breast tenderness are the most bothersome. I expect I will be adding to my list of side effects as we go on. The last thing I'll add is that my biggest fibroid is 7 cm and my uterus never shrunk after I had my preemie son at 28 weeks pregnant. So basically, I still look six months pregnant 6 years later. That's why I'm on this medicine. I need to shrink my uterus and fibroid in order to have a less invasive partial hysterectomy (leaving my ovaries)."

• Jen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2016

For Endometriosis "I've been on Lupron for 8 months now. I have very, very painful endo that has put me in the ER at least 50 times in the last 5 years. I tried the depo shot and continuous use of the NuvaRing before this. Nothing has worked, except Lupron. I do suffer hot flashes and a bit of fatigue/joint pain around the time that would be my cycle. The first cycle on the injection was still hell, the second, I could still work! :) My doctor wants me on it for a while, as I'm only 23, and she doesn't want to jump to a hysterectomy just yet. I'm scared to go beyond the recommended year of Lupron, but so far, so good, and it's the only thing that's given my life back. I hope that if you try it, it works for you. Though, we are all different."

• geo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 1, 2024

For Prostate Cancer "Has helped reduce PSA from < 200 to .019 over 9 months of treatment. I've had 2 6mo shots. No problems with injections. Cannot differentiate which drug causes hot flashes, fatigue, and depression when receiving ADT. I'm receiving drugs and injections in my treatment. PSA number has steadily declined."

• 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."