Leuprolide and Hot Flashes: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2010

For Prostate Cancer "I was given two injections of Eligard before beginning radiation therapy. Following the 48 radiation treatments, I am still being monitored by my oncologist and urologist. My last PSA was 0.01. The side effects of hot flashes, lethargy, and muscle weakness are where I am today, although at my age, 79, I can't complain. The first of the injections was in April of 2008 and the second in August. Radiation began in early September 2008 and ended at the end of October. It was determined that I am not a candidate for Androgel as there is a possibility of developing cancer again. So, as you read from the preceding paragraph, I'm lucky to have passed my first year without problems."

• 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)."

• 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."

• ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2012

For Endometriosis "I started Lupron about a month ago. I started taking it after the doctor told me I had stage 1 endometriosis. About a year before, I found out I had PCOS, which caused me to gain a lot of weight, about 23 lbs. Since I've been on Lupron, I've been feeling so much better, and I've lost 7 lbs! The only thing I have been struggling with is the hot flashes. Other than that, I've been doing very well on the shot."

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2015

For Uterine Fibroids "I had extremely painful periods and constant bleeding. My doctor started me on the shot in Jan. and had the second one in March. Best thing I ever did. No bleeding after the 1st month and no pain after the 2nd month. Side effects were, in my opinion, mild. Worst were the hot flashes, but in my opinion, worth it. Doctor only wanted me to have 2 shots, so after June, going to see what happens. I don't want to get on any birth control, so will see what happens. I'm really hoping this makes it all better."

• nel...
• June 19, 2017

For Uterine Fibroids "I had my heavy period and strong and constant pain, which stops me from doing my normal life for more than 5 years. Since I have started to inject this Lupron, it has changed my life. After all those painful years, now I have had 4 injections already and go for the fifth one. The only side effect I had is hot flashes, especially during nights, and some bone pain, which are nothing to compare with the pain I had for more than 5 years. It is really worth trying if you are experiencing heavy bleeding and pain."

• 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."

• End...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2014

For Endometriosis "Stage 4 endometriosis. I've been on Lupron for 3 months and will get another injection next week. I've had a few hot flashes, about 1x/day occasionally, but not every day. I have stayed below my original weight by about 5 lb. Some moodiness/occasional depression. But overall, I haven't had any major problems! I was very worried about side effects before starting Lupron, but am glad I did it. I want to be healthy! I'm getting married next weekend also, so have been planning a wedding at the same time. We're hoping to get pregnant next year!"

• Fly...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2017

For Prostate Cancer "At age 60, biopsy showed prostate cancer, PSA was 10. Had it out. After it was out, PSA was still ten. Started Lupron, and PSA dropped to 0 for two years. Then my doc suggested I go without the Lupron... I did for 8 months, and my PSA climbed to 4. Back on Lupron, and it dropped to zero. Did Lupron for another year, then went off of it again. Why? The side effects: bad arthritis, hot flashes, weight gain, 30 lbs in the first two months, then no more. No libido, and everything shrinks. No body hair. It was a joy to get off that stuff for a while, but my PSA started climbing again. Now back on Lupron, but no change in PSA. Went to a monthly shot, my PSA stayed at 4. Added Casodex, grew boobs, really bad. My PSA is now 2. I've been fighting cancer now for 6 years."

• Gru...
• September 30, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "My PSA was rising after RP to 0.59. Started radiation with Lupron. If you exercise really hard with lots of caffeine, no sugar in the morning and minimal sugar all day long with high-quality food, then the effects of Lupron are minimal other than the muscle pain and some joint pain. Sex life is about once a month. The more you exercise, the more likely you are able to have a sex life. After six months on Lupron, I can still have sex. I took Bicalutamide with my first shot. I highly recommend avoiding the hot flashes."

• And...
• November 22, 2017

For Uterine Fibroids "I was diagnosed with a 13 cm fibroid. The doctor wanted to shrink it to be able to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy. I was having constant heavy bleeding for months on end, even the tranexamic acid wasn't slowing it down. The first drug we tried was Fibristal. It was supposed to slow the bleeding and shrink the fibroid. I took this for 6 months, and it did absolutely nothing. The doctor then suggested Lupron Depot. The first week on Lupron was hard. Bleeding was much heavier than before (which was already horrible). But by week 2, the bleeding completely stopped. By 5 months on Lupron, my fibroid had shrunk to 11 cm. A bit of hot flashes, some fogginess/irritability, but that's normal for me...lol."

• 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"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 27, 2009

For Endometriosis "I just finished my 3-month course of shots. The first two months were not too bad, but the third month has taken its toll on me. I can deal with the hot flashes, but the joint pain has become very intense. The pain is disruptive, where my hands are aching all the time. It keeps me up at nighttime, and then lack of sleep becomes a problem. I wish they would suggest a joint therapy program for you to take if you need it because it's not like you can just call up your doctor and see him right away."

• See...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 27, 2016

For Endometriosis "I would like to address women who already struggle with depression, insomnia, or mood disorders, like myself. If you're already bad off, don't do this to yourself, it might be the final 'push.' I got the 3-month shot (+add-back), and it made me suicidal. My moods went from extreme anger to sobbing, insomnia, hot flashes, and my left arm kept going numb in daily activities! This went on for a month, at 2 months, I leveled out. Not far into the 3rd month, the hot flashes came back, cold sweats (felt like drug withdrawal), and my pain was back! I went to my OB/GYN 1 week early because of this to find I had grown 11 new painful cysts! It didn't even work, and to stop it is also unpleasant (withdrawals). Worst med decision I ever made! HELL!"

• 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."

• use...
• February 1, 2012

For Endometriosis "I was actually on Lupron Depot for 18 months. My periods stopped within a week, and my pain was gone within the first month. I almost didn't go on it because of the horror stories I read online, but I'm glad I did. My skin broke out more than normal, but nothing a little makeup couldn't hide. The hot flashes were intense at first, but slowly started to subside. After six months, they completely stopped. I also fully understand night sweats. The side effects were well worth it to me since I no longer have cramps that hurt so badly I pass out. I am also enjoying being period-free after never having a regular cycle and being anemic the better part of my life."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"