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Leuprolide and Headaches: What Users Say

Brand names: Lupron, Eligard, Lupron Depot, Camcevi, Fensolvi, Lupron Depot-PED, Lutrate Depot

Headaches: mentioned by 46 users (11.4%)

Based on user experiences from 404 Leuprolide reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

hot flashes 45.5%
weight gain 14.6%
mood swings 13.9%
fatigue 11.4%
headaches 11.4%
joint pain 11.1%
night sweats 10.4%
pain 10.1%
depression 9.9%
insomnia 7.2%

Reviews for Leuprolide

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Jea...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • April 24, 2019

For Prostate Cancer "Been taking Eligard 5x every 3 months, just over a year. Prostate taken out 10 years ago. I underwent radiation 45 times about 6 years ago. Eligard has been effective at reducing my PSA levels. Occasional hot flashes, tire easily, and often feel lightheaded. Little tolerance for BS and have been experiencing more headaches and breast enlargement. Thinking about stopping use."

4 / 10
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65 Report
  • 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."

10 / 10
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95 Report
  • 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."

6 / 10
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57 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • 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."

10 / 10
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60 Report
  • alb...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 7, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "This is pure poison. I have very bad side effects from this poison, and the doctor said he can do nothing. The physical and mental pain is so bad: hot flashes, very high blood pressure, headaches every day, pain urinating, joint pain, mental confusion, brain fog, memory loss, totally itchy all over, sleeplessness, very bad fatigue, and a lot more. My doctor never told me anything about this poison, just injected me with a 6-month supply at $6,000.00."

1 / 10
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56 Report

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  • 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!"

1 / 10
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50 Report
  • 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"

8 / 10
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27 Report

More FAQ

  • 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."

1 / 10
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45 Report
  • Pat...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 7, 2022

For Prostate Cancer "This is an update... I posted last year (2021). I have now had 5 shots of 3 months of Eligard. I only have 3 left to complete the 2-year treatment. I had (have) Stage 3 prostate cancer, it spread to the lymph nodes, but no further (they think!). No surgery since it spread... I had my last (45th) radiation treatment 6/9/21. Back to the Eligard. I was about to stop (after 3) or slow down the injections due to the crappy side effects, but the oncologist talked me into continuing. I am counting the months until I am done. My biggest side effect is bad headaches for several weeks after each injection. Yes, I get the hot flashes, I'm dizzy... sleep sucks, joint pain.... and now my knees are very painful. My PSA did drop from the mid 20s to .06 (almost nothing). That's the good part, I guess. I'm just hoping I can tolerate it all. GOOD LUCK!"

4 / 10
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18 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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30 Report
  • 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."

10 / 10
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33 Report
  • 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."

8 / 10
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30 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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26 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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25 Report
  • 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!"

1 / 10
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21 Report
  • 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."

6 / 10
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19 Report
  • Anonymous
  • February 18, 2012

For Endometriosis "I have been on the Lupron shot now for 5 months. I have had no periods or period-associated pain since the second month. There is some minor pain and irritation at the injection site for a day or two after the shot. I have had pretty intense hot flashes and night sweats, minor joint and muscle pain, but the worst for me has been the massive headaches. I am taking another medication now to help with those. I would still recommend the shot if your endometriosis is severe, the side effects still aren't as bad as the pain I was in before. Trying to hang in there for another 4 months."

8 / 10
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31 Report
  • kf7...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • July 20, 2012

For Endometriosis "I was on Lupron twice for endometriosis. The first time I had hot flashes and headaches, after I got off, they went away. The second time I had the same side effects, except when I got off of Lupron, the headaches did not go away and turned into migraines. Now I have had migraines for 16 years since being off of Lupron. I was never plagued with headaches before Lupron. My doctor said I always had the trigger for migraines and Lupron flipped the switch on. If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken a different approach to treating my endometriosis. Having endometriosis and migraines together was worse. Now I'm in menopause and going through everything to the nth degree."

2 / 10
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36 Report
  • 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!"

1 / 10
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29 Report
  • Anonymous
  • October 3, 2011

For Endometriosis "I started the Lupron at the beginning of the summer, April 2011, to be exact. The only side effect I can say I had trouble with was the hot flashes, but nothing unbearable and usually over pretty quick. The first 3-4 weeks after an injection, I would have issues with vaginal dryness, but again, nothing unbearable. I had no mood swings or crazy headaches, but I have been constantly plagued with headaches since I was a child, so I wouldn't know if this had any effect on those. Overall, it has been a totally bearable experience, and the hot flashes were nothing compared to the pain I had before the Lupron. I would suggest it if your endometriosis is bad enough."

9 / 10
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30 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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35 Report
  • Fut...
  • April 17, 2013

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with fibroids twice, an ovarian cyst 8 cm big, and endometriosis. I'm going to take my third dose in two weeks, and I was prescribed this medicine for six months. Pros: after the first injection, no periods! Five months without a period was right up my alley, being I had been bleeding so much for so long, I needed the break. Cons: if you eat salty food or heavy carbs, you feel like you are going to throw up. Hot and cold flashes, sweats, stiff joints, joint pain, headaches, sleeplessness/severe insomnia, dry skin and dry eyes. I could go on, but I'm doing this to rid myself of ongoing bleeding, pain, and infertility. It's worth it to stick it out if it really works, I don't know if it does yet, but I know I'm not bleeding."

7 / 10
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25 Report
  • 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."

8 / 10
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10 Report
  • Mau...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 19, 2015

For Endometriosis "I've received my first round in June 2015. Almost immediately, I started experiencing side effects. Headaches, weight gain, hot flashes, constant sweating, mood swings, made my depression worse, now swollen legs and ankles, also severe joint pain. This is becoming unbearable, and I'm rethinking doing the next cycle. It's helped with my endometriosis, which I'm happy about, but these side effects are a...."

7 / 10
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14 Report
  • Lan...
  • December 28, 2016

For Uterine Fibroids "I am on a 3-month shot plan but monthly shots. I didn't want the 3-month all at once because I wanted to see how my body would react to it first. Shot given 12/07/16, and today is 12/28/16. The first week, I didn't really have any side effects, and I was really hopeful that this would be the worst. Wishful thinking didn't last long. Hot flashes, night sweats, chills, emotional wreck, and I believe slight headaches that come and go. BUT, on the contrary, less than a month and my fibroid has already physically shrank. I haven't seen the doc yet, but I can physically see that it shrank. My clothes are loose in the belt line area. My fibroid was the size of a small grapefruit (17 cm), but I really see a huge difference in shrinkage. Could be worse :/"

5 / 10
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10 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.