Leuprolide and Hot Flashes: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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)."

• 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."

• Rid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2017

For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in November of 2016. My PSA was 14.8, and my Gleason Score was 6. The good news is that the cancer did not spread outside the prostate and was in 9 out of 12 from the biopsy. I took Casodex for one month and had one Lupron injection, then started 44 treatments of radiation. Around treatment 20, my PSA went down to .09. After I complete radiation, I have one more Lupron injection to take, then that is it. No more cancer, I hope. The side effects are some hot flashes, weight gain, shrinking testicles, and frequent urination. After my next and last Lupron injection, I hope to be done with cancer."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2018

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis in April of 2017. My situation was a little different because the disease went into my colon and shut down my bowel system. After two surgeries, my doctor recommended I go on Lupron for 6 months. After reading the reviews, I told my doctor no. I was scared out of my mind. He insisted and I finally agreed. I just took my last shot of my 6mo treatment, and in the beginning, I experienced the hot flashes, but I was given Northein pills to offset it, and it worked. I didn't bleed; I occasionally had sweats, nausea, or an upset stomach. However, I can't say anything really bad about the drug. I'm glad I took it. I think it depends on the individual body, but I will say you have to give your system time to adapt to the drug."

• 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."

• Ema...
• August 11, 2013

For Uterine Fibroids "Received one shot for three full months. Nearing the end. Major side effects were the hot flashes and some weird feeling of uneasiness. I would not take it again. Hot flashes are not cool. Just had an ultrasound and will be seeing the doctor soon to see if the shot was a success in killing cysts. The drug may work, but wow, all these side effects."

• 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."

• Eti...
• October 31, 2015

For Prostate Cancer "Stage 2B prostate cancer. Proton beam therapy coupled with six months on Lupron. Dreaded getting the second 3-month shot. Side effects: Almost total loss of libido and sexual function within 30 days-lasting for several months post-usage; debilitating hot flashes (2X/hour, 24/7); 15 pounds of weight gain; 50% increase in cholesterol under the same diet; dangerous liver impact (GGT > 130) without alcohol use; significant breast growth."

• cmf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2015

For Uterine Fibroids "I had the 3-month 11.25 mg on 3/30/2015 to shrink my giant fibroid to the size that the laparoscopic myomectomy can be performed. I had no symptom of side effects for the first month and also had my period, but ever since the second month (May), the side effects have been really hitting me hard; including hot flashes and night sweats. I had my surgery at the end of June, and my doctor confirmed that I had reacted to the Lupron more than expected, as the fibroid not only shrank but part of it was degenerated. So, instead of a 2-hour operation, it ended up being a 6-hour one. Now, it's been 5 months, and the Lupron is still lasting (period still not back yet); don't know when it will be gone..."

• dOC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2017

For Prostate Cancer "Hot sweats were the thing most mentioned and most noticeable. My apologies for lack of empathy to all those who I've known going through them. Muscle mass loss and decreased exercise tolerance. My total weight lifted in a usual workout fell to about 1/3. Dry scaling skin and increased dry hair. However, my creeping male pattern baldness was certainly less noticeable. Testicular size and libido took a hit."

• 23...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 18, 2013

For Endometriosis "I'm on day 48 of treatment and had my second shot on 11/04/2013. With the first shot, I bled 2 weeks prior and another 3 weeks after. After that, I haven't bled since. I'm being treated for lifelong (23 years) endometriosis. I have been disabled since 13 years old because of it. The only symptom I have had is severe non-stop hot flashes. I will have a hysterectomy in December."

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2020

For Endometriosis "The depo has been great for me! At the end of my 3-month shot, the only major side effect I have are the hot flashes (which are controllable). I haven’t had a period, haven’t been moody, minimal weight gain!"

• Cha...
• September 6, 2011

For Endometriosis "I LOVE LUPRON. I have stage 4 endometriosis, and Lupron has been AWESOME. I have only had one side effect: hot flashes, which I do not mind at all, they only come twice a day and last for up to 2 minutes. Hopefully, my husband and I can have intercourse without pain. I'm 23 years old."

• 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
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2015

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis and had major surgery. I was only able to take four of the six shots. The side effects are terrible. I had almost all of them. I took my last shot in March 2015. It has been one month, and I am now experiencing panic and anxiety attacks along with high blood pressure. I am only 37 and gained weight, now weighing 155, and have a blood pressure of 142/103. I have never had high blood pressure until the third month of the shot. I have hot flashes, night sweats, chest pains that sent me to the ER, vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, vomiting the day I got the shot. It has been an awful experience. I am praying that when it gets all out of my system, I will not see any of these side effects anymore."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2011

For Endometriosis "This is my fourth month into the Lupron cycle. I have endometriosis. Have no period, no pain. I do get some hot flashes and a little weight gain, but that is the least of my problems on the shot. It is the joint pain. It is the worst in the morning when I get out of bed. My hands, legs, and feet are the worst. It is not so bad throughout the day. But when I sit for some time, then get up again, the pain starts all over."

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2011

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "After surgery and radiation therapy, I was unable to take Tamoxifen, so I got a 1-month shot of Lupron to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer. I had no symptoms, so I got the 3-month shot and immediately had problems. I expected the bad hot flashes and dryness, but wasn't prepared for the severe bone pain and muscle pain. I'm used to dealing with pain, but this was extreme. By the end of the 3 months, the bone pain was gone, but the muscle pain and injection site soreness were still there. I got another 1-month shot and have been doing better. Now I have unexplained swelling/soreness in my left hand."

• Hop...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 14, 2019

For Uterine Fibroids "I am 48 years old. I was bleeding nonstop for over a year due to a large fibroid...and I was in much pain. In January 2019, I started my Lupron 3-month shot, and I’ve had two more shots since then (every three months). I have not bled since January. My 6 cm centrally located fibroid shrunk to 5 cm within 6 months. My uterus reduced in size from 10 cm to 8 cm. I was anemic, but my blood levels are back to normal now. I do get hot flashes often. My hair is thinning and dry. My biggest problem is bone pain in my fingers/toes. But that’s nothing compared to how bad I felt when I was bleeding. I have been very moody at times over the past 10 months. I’m supposed to schedule one more dose of the shot before my doctor will decide what to do next, hoping I can just start menopause so I don’t have to have surgery. I also have multiple sclerosis. But so far the MS flare-up, due to this fibroid, is minimal."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Alm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2016

For Endometriosis "This drug ruined 11 years of my life and continues to do so. I was given no add-back therapy, nor told of any side effects, only the leaflet to read at home AFTER I'd already been given a 3-month Lupron shot and told it would help my excruciating endometriosis pain. After reading the leaflet in its entirety, I immediately called my OB/GYN and asked about add-back, calcium, and lots more questions. I was scared of all side effects listed on the leaflet and wished I had known about them before (I'd have refused) or that I could UNDO the shot! He told me the worst that may happen are a few hot flashes. My pain worsened, I got osteoporosis, lost several teeth, and couldn't walk unassisted for 6 months. THIS IS TRULY A HORRIBLE DRUG!!!"

• Jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 10, 2017

For Endometriosis "Many years of pain - After exploratory surgery and a part of one ovary taken, then laparoscopic 3 times to get rid of the endo, I thought this was going to be my saving grace! It has ruined my life, and I'm talking well over 20 years ago. If I remember correctly, it was a new drug they were trying at the time. Yes, it stopped my period and pain, but literally jumped from 110 to 140 in one month, had a complete breakdown, first time ever in my life breaking a glass table. Depression and anxiety and anger became my life. I reported all symptoms, even the little ones, such as sweating and not sleeping, hot flashes, etc. So not worth the lasting side effects, depression never went away! Don't use this drug, it took my happiness in life -"