Leuprolide and Night Sweats: 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."

• Rob...
• February 25, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "Got the results back. In September 2020, I had a biopsy (thanks for the delay, COVID). It came back with a Gleason score of 9 and Grade 5! They tried to operate, but there was too much scar tissue. Next was the oncologist appointment, who said we need to do something now and that Eligard should stop it from growing. What they didn't say was that I would gain weight. The night sweats make you put covers on, take covers off all night, and I get up to pee up to 9 times a night. Feeling lethargic, dark thoughts and mood swings. An emotional wreck. Went to the GP who put me on antidepressant tablets, which have amplified my emotional state. Told the wife tonight that I'm not taking any more antidepressants, not doing Eligard, and not going to a planning day. I want to go out on my terms, feeling like myself, not juiced up on this rubbish. Facts are I could have some good years left without medication or go on feeling wound up and unintentionally pushing away those that care."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "I was given a six-month injection of Eligard 45 mg, then three days later, I had a CV event in the emergency room. Other side effects that Eligard has given me are bone pain, severe neuropathy, night sweats, night terrors, brain fog, confusion, anxiety, and anger."

• mdo...
• January 4, 2012

For Prostate Cancer "Had 1st shot 11/10/11, PSA was at 182, tested 3 weeks later, PSA had dropped to 3.3. Have prostate, metastatic bone and lymphatic cancer. This combined with radiation therapy, greatly improved my mobility (pelvis, hips fully involved, as well as on and inside spine). Side effects are hot flashes and night sweats, but other than that manageable for the relief I've gotten."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "My side effects from Eligard are extreme bone pain, joint pain, testicular pain, my penis shriveled up like I had jumped in ice water and stayed icy cold for several days, night sweats, night terrors, nightmares, and brain fog. I had a CV event 3 days after, wound up in the emergency room with extreme difficulty and pain urinating, especially at night. According to the manufacturer, this is supposed to be used for palliative care. Well, I guess they don't know the meaning of palliative care. I wish I had never started this treatment."

• Anonymous
• April 18, 2011

For Prostate Cancer "Second injection started night and day sweats. This has increased to every 2-3 hrs during the day - less frequency at night. Dropped my PSA from 30 to 0.07 post-prostate removal. Time on medication: 6 months."

• Wha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2022

For Prostate Cancer "My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer 2 years ago. Underwent surgery to have prostate removed, as well as lymph nodes and some cancer that was on his bladder. He started the Eligard injections every 3 to 4 months since. His PSA levels have remained at 1.0 until recently. A friend suggested he take a multivitamin of Quercetin, zinc, stinging nettle root, Vitamin C, and D3. He has been taking it for 3 weeks and just went back in for another injection. His PSA was 0, but yet they still gave him the injection. If his PSA is 0, why would he need another injection? He continues to suffer from all the same side effects of night sweats, frequent urination, mood swings, depression, and loss of memory. I want him to stop the shots, but wondering if anyone else has quit taking the shots with a PSA of 0."

• 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)."

• Jaz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2012

For Precocious Puberty "My 8-year-old daughter had signs of CPP: breast buds, armpit odor, and excessive height. After seeing the specialist and getting tests, the ultrasound said she developed 5 cysts on her ovaries. The hand x-ray said she had a bone age of 10. She started the monthly Lupron shot. She is now 10, and she has no cysts on her ovaries now. Yet her bone age shows 12. Her breast buds are completely gone. She never gained any excess weight. No night sweats. We plan to stop the shot right after her 11th birthday."

• 1Sw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2014

For Endometriosis "I was on Lupron for 6 months back in 09. The side effects weren't bad for me at first, but I have to say the night sweats were the worst! I just hated waking up in the middle of the night, needing to shower because I was so sweaty. However, I was pain-free! I had an AWESOME summer and went camping, mountain biking, traveling. My pain has slowly come back over the years, and my (new) doctor just gave me my first shot of Lupron yesterday. I am hoping it works just as well as it did the first time. I want to be me again."

• 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."

• 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."

• Har...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 21, 2021

For Prostate Cancer "I was given, despite having informed the Radiation Oncologist that I had absolutely no interest in receiving this castrating hormone. He didn't properly convey my wishes, and a VA Urologist ordered it anyway. It's been a complete and utter disaster. I have suffered night sweats, lost muscle mass, increased insomnia, testicular shrinkage, and lost libido. It should be emphasized that I had only intermediate-level prostate cancer after 11 years and, therefore, was not an appropriate candidate for this 'chemical garbage.'"

• 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."

• 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..."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2017

For Endometriosis "The hospital OBGYN decided to give me this while I was receiving treatments to prevent me from bleeding out (I have leukemia) and only told me I would get night sweats and a slight mood swing, and I would not get my period. I had my period for a month and a half straight, causing me to get transfusions almost daily. My bones feel like they're breaking, I went from 115 to 170, I'm constantly about to punch through things or cry uncontrollably, suicidal thoughts shot through the roof, blood pressure dropped, sweating so much, I can't walk much anymore without sharp pain and tiredness, etc. I begged them not to give me it on my second round of chemo, and they still did. Do yourself a favor and don't take this drug."

• Lal...
• November 5, 2018

For Endometriosis "I will say I virtually have no periods and have had maybe 3 endo pain days that don’t come close to what the pain used to be. NOW the side effects are horrid! BUT I’ll take the side effects over the pain in periods. My bones ache, not unbearable, but uncomfortable. The night sweats, bad but bearable. I’m tired lots, but I can function with some caffeinated tea & B12 for energy. Mood swings and little depression/anxiety. It’s not intense depression for me, like nothing that makes me want to harm myself, it’s just more of a dark cloud following you around. So if you have mental “instability” before taking the drugs, make sure you talk to your doctor. I did not lose hair, and my hair did NOT thin/fall out. I did not gain weight. The side effects still make the medicine worth taking because I have no pain or real periods. I get the shot every 3 months (I’m on 9 months) and take a pill that comes in the shot package. The pill is taken daily, shot is every 3 months for me. Good luck!"

• 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!"