Leuprolide and Hot Flashes: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Duf...
• July 10, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "I'm 57 and diagnosed in April with a tumor confined to one lobe only, a Gleason of 7 (3+4), and a PSA of 9.22. I received a 4-month (30 mg) injection on May 19 and started radiation on June 21. As of this writing, I'm into my 8th week on this drug. So far, my side effects have been minimal, with very mild hot flashes (about 2-3 times a day but very subtle), loss of sex drive, and some ED at this point. I get about 6-7 hours of decent sleep a night, haven't had to get up to pee in the middle of the night much, no vision issues, confusion, brain fog issues, etc., as others describe, but I'm not on long-term therapy either. The doctor said the 'kick-in' with side effects is typically at the 3-week point, so, so far, I'm doing pretty well. The doctor says I should regain most, if not all, of my ED function when the drug wears off after the 4-month time frame. A definitive change in my diet and exercise has also helped a great deal with limiting my side effects. Hope this helps anyone in similar circumstances."

• jul...
• October 6, 2015

For Endometriosis "I've been suffering with very painful menstruation and chronic pelvic spasms for over 20 years. The first time I did Lupron, it was a godsend, finally, I didn't have to plan my life and work around my period. Now I'm on a second round. I'm using the 3-month injection, and I love life. Yes, I have hot flashes, and I can be a bit emotional at times, but I'm not in pain, and that is what I was going for. I'm 42 now, and I'm hoping I can stay on this medication until I'm 50. I would really hate to go back to having to deal with this again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2012

For Endometriosis "I received my first Lupron shot a couple of weeks ago. In the past two weeks, I have noticed that my pain isn't as bad or as often as it was before the shot. The downside is the mood swings and hot flashes. I thought I had a few weeks before I started experiencing the side effects, but I guess not. I know that the next six months are going to be rough, but the way I see it... I've been suffering for five years already, what is six months of hell to help make it all go away? In my opinion, the Lupron shot is worth it."

• 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."

• Mik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 23, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "I, like others have posted, feel I've had enough. 7 months of 'monthly' injections, not too many bad side effects until month 7, now I just felt it overloaded my body. I stopped for 2 months and just had a 3-month injection, being told it would not be as invasive, rubbish as I am now back in the throes of strange side effects, mostly constant diarrhea, bowel incontinence, and all 24/7 hot flashes. The same reason I stopped Casodex after 3 months due to severe 'hand and foot syndrome.' I can control the mental aspects, but I think this was my last injection. Sure, the traditional approach probably saved my life, but every body is different in terms of the post-radiation treatments. Obviously, check with your doctor before a decision like this!!! ...But 'traditional' has to be modified depending on the individual."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2012

For Endometriosis "2/9/12 I had a full hysterectomy (uterus and cervix removed) due to fibroids. My doctor found endometriosis everywhere. My doctor put me on Lupron about a month after the surgery and I had my second shot on 4/20/12. I got hot flashes right after the first shot, but they are really not that bad. Night sweats are more uncomfortable and my joints and muscles are achy and stiff. However, my mood is pretty terrible. I have no patience for anything and feel pretty grumpy most of the time. My pain is lessening but still present. That said, if I can be rid of most of the pain after the 6-month regimen, it will have been worth it!"

• BC ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2020

"Despite all the negative reviews for Lupron, this drug has been great for me. I got the shot 3 weeks ago as part of my treatment plan for breast cancer. Lupron stopped my heavy cycles and put me into menopause. Being in menopause means that I can take a more effective drug for preventing the recurrence of breast cancer. The shot was painless. I have occasional joint soreness (quickly relieved by Tylenol), but nothing that's unexpected for someone who's 48! Hot flashes have been minimal. Even though I have been laid up with a ruptured Achilles tendon, my weight gain has been minimal. If you are prescribed this drug, please don't be afraid."

• Anonymous
• December 21, 2011

For Endometriosis "I was actually surprised to learn I had stage 4 endometriosis, along with 2 endometriomas and a dermoid cyst. I had always had a poochy gut and severe menstrual cramps since I was 16. I am 27 now and have been pain-free for the last 5 months on Lupron Depot. I had a laparoscopic cystectomy and a laparotomy this year. I did suffer side effects of hot flashes and mood swings, but was prescribed 1 mg estrogen daily, and I'm pretty much normal! In about 6 weeks, I will begin trying to conceive my first child! The Lupron and my doctor have been a blessing!"

• Mlh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2022

For Uterine Fibroids "I wanted to share my story also for people who are considering trying this out. I had big fibroids and was scheduled for a laparoscopic hysterectomy. My doc put me on Lupron for 4 months before the hysterectomy. She felt it would help me in hopefully shrinking my fibroids down to help with surgery. She wanted me to take the 3-month dose. I am very scared of side effects and really don't like taking anything. I did my research and decided I only felt comfortable taking the once-a-month lower dose Lupron shot. I was afraid to even try that. I was on Lupron for 4 months and I did bleed for the first month on it, and then my bleeding and periods stopped after the first month. My only side effect was hot flashes! But as time went by, they seemed to get a little better and they calmed down some. It wasn't too bad, but definitely uncomfortable at times. That's all, though! So happy that I moved past my fear and tried it. It helped stop my periods and I was able to get the laparoscopic hysterectomy done."

• 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)."

• 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."

• 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."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2019

For Uterine Fibroids "I’ve been on Lupron Depot for 4 months for heavy bleeding from a fibroid and extreme pain due to endometriosis. It has stopped my uterine heavy bleeding, and I have increased energy from not being anemic any longer. However, I have experienced hair loss, generalized whole body muscle pain and stiffness, as well as hot flashes, extreme jaw tension, teeth grinding at night, and occasional insomnia."

• 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."

• Swe...
• January 6, 2017

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 1 endometriosis after I had a laparoscopy. My doctor suggested Lupron Depot for six months (2 shots). I have been on Lupron Depot for almost 3 months where it is time to get my second shot. I am almost sure I will not get the second shot. I am in worse pain than I was before the shot, and I have had NONSTOP bleeding. You are not supposed to be bleeding while on Lupron, especially for three months. I have an appointment with my doctor soon about my next step. The medicine is supposed to rid you of pain-but for me, it caused it to worsen. In regards to other side effects such as hot flashes, depression, mood swings, etc., I don't have any of that! Bottom line, I wish I never would have gotten this medicine."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Ste...
• December 21, 2019

For Endometriosis "I have stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis. Had emergency surgery 3 years ago due to a large endometrioma causing a total blockage of my sigmoid colon. Everyone's reports on here about unbearable pain and severe bleeding-yup, same for me. I've been bleeding nonstop for over a year now. Received my first 1-month dose of Lupron on 11/22/19. The only side effect was a slight uptick in libido the first two weeks during the initial estrogen spike. The last week of the month, I got my period, but the bleeding and pain were much reduced from before. Noticed an improvement in pain during intercourse. I am on the add-back and have had no night sweats, hot flashes, or vaginal dryness. No impact on my mood that I could notice. Received my second dose, the 3-month long dose, yesterday (12/20/19). Can't comment yet on the experience, but I'm sure hoping to stop bleeding entirely and eliminate the pain."

• 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."

• Alm...
• November 13, 2011

For Endometriosis "I have been receiving Lupron shots since August 2011. December will be shot number five. Within the first two weeks after receiving my first shot, I noticed a huge difference in pain. How awesome! I had been dealing with this pain since 2008. I had exploratory surgery and tried Chinese medicine along with acupuncture and found no relief. Lupron has been the first thing to help me be almost completely pain-free. Will post again after the 6th injection. I had one huge mood swing after my 1st shot and very little hot flashes. I am not craving chocolate as much but have found myself craving milk (I have always been a milk drinker)."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2020

For Uterine Fibroids "My experience with Lupron Depot has been challenging. I have side effects of memory loss, trouble breathing (did not have this before), heart palpitations just about every day (worst at night), nausea, extreme tiredness (daily). Periods had stopped before but started up when taking Lupron Depot (very light to spotting). I am in my second month of the 3-month injection, and I now have body aches and hot flashes every 15 minutes all day, which have subsided to every 30 minutes to an hour as I get close to wearing off. I will not know if the fibroid has shrunk until after the 3 months have passed. Not interested in sex, so do not want to be touched. Very sensitive since the shot and not having a taste for really anything. Feet swollen like Ms. Piggy. Would I get it again? Heck NO! I would stop eating red meat first and drink a healthy smoothie with raw veggies and fruit first."