Leuprolide and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Pea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2019

For Prostate Cancer "I am 68 years old. Had 6-month injection in August 2018. Doctor told me hot flashes and night sweats were the side effects. That I could handle. What I could not handle was the loss of cognitive functions, mood swings, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, thoughts of suicide, total erectile dysfunction, shrunken penis, and testicles. It has destroyed my life. I have still not recovered all of the cognitive functions I lost, cannot get rid of the extra weight, and to top it all off, my cancer was not to the point where I needed the hormone. Eligard may have saved lives, but to me, the treatment has destroyed my quality of life."

• Bar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "Diagnosed with prostate cancer in April 2019, had a 6-month Lupron shot in May followed by 45 radiation treatments ending in early September. Went on vacation and able to do 2-3 mile hikes over rough terrain with only a little fatigue. Went in for a second shot in early November and they changed me to Eligard. They said it was virtually the same product. Within 2 weeks, I developed intense pain in my hips that has not gone away. Can hardly walk to the mailbox any longer due to the pain. Dealing with mood swings, minor depression, trouble sleeping, and have gained 30 pounds. Due to go back next Wednesday for another 6-month Eligard shot. Not going to happen."

• 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."

• pof...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2020

For Prostate Cancer "I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 at 64 years old. My doctor said my best option for getting rid of the cancer was to have it removed. I went through the surgery in August 2014, but the cancer was not gone. I had 38 radiation treatments in 2015, and that kept my PSA low for two years. It went up to 1.0, and the doctor started giving me Eligard injections every 3 months beginning in 2018. I have severe depression with dark thoughts concerning my death eventually from this cancer. I also have weight gain and no sexual desires at all. I have no tolerance or patience, and it makes me very irritable. I must admit it works as it has kept my PSA below 1.0 for the last two years! I don't think I will take it much longer. My doctor is saying they are looking for a different treatment soon. I have no idea what that will be. It has taken all the joy of life out of me, and I am not interested in almost anything..."

• Oac...
• February 3, 2014

For Prostate Cancer "Started treatment 12/2011 ended 12/2013. The PSA went down as expected for the purpose of treatment, now waiting for side effects to end, which have been: loss of libido, hot flashes especially at night or after a meal, some sweating, loss of body hair, loss of muscle mass, joint and bone pain, tiredness, difficulty to start almost any quest, weight gain, chest/man breast augmentation. Have been taking vitamin D plus calcium, glucosamine, started an exercise program that has helped with muscle buildup, and also helps with better mood, by prescription have taken 3 applications of calcium to the vein. Have had excellent support from wife, have trust my Doctors and first of all God my father."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 28, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "I am the wife of a man currently taking Eligard. I have to say it has worked to keep the prostate cancer from spreading, which is absolutely wonderful. However, it has caused a lot of other problems that have affected both of us. He has absolutely no sexual desire, he has developed what appears to be breasts, his penis has become inverted, and his testicles have decreased in size. His muscle mass has decreased as well, and the weight gain is mostly in his belly. I can only hope that he will regain his manhood if and when he is taken off this medication."

• Len...
• July 13, 2016

For Prostate Cancer "Eight months into Lupron plus Casodex, and I am refusing the next three-month shot. PSA went from 5.7 to 0.2 to 0.1, and I am just finishing up nine weeks of radiation. GL scores were mostly 9's, but no metastatic found. To say a less common side effect is loss of libido is just plain BS. About a month after the first shot, I was done with sex. The doctor said once the testosterone is gone, that's normal. Little aches and pains linger, my testicles shrink, I lost all hair under my arms and it's slow-growing elsewhere. Sometimes I seem to be in a fog mentally. Hot flashes like you wouldn't believe until they offered me other meds, which help somewhat. I put on five pounds of blubber below the belly. Lack of energy as well. It works, but I think doctors keep you on it too long for stage 1 or 2 cancers."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 28, 2019

For Prostate Cancer "On Lupron beginning July 2017. Now 2019 and still on a 3-month dose. I experience all the known side effects, and it is not much fun. I am 66 years old and have advanced prostate cancer stage 3. My PSA is undetectable since surgery and 40 radiation treatments. Hot flashes, weight gain, fatigue, tingle in feet, itching, impotence, and bone aches. PSA is still undetectable...going off Lupron in May 2020...we will see what happens then."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2013

For Endometriosis "My daughter (19) was given Lupron immediately after surgery to remove endometriosis. The doctor came to us right as she was in recovery and said she was giving her Lupron to suppress the cause. No explanation of side effects... how I regret it. She had to leave college... and the pain, weight gain, lack of concentration, etc. have been traumatic for us all. It takes YEARS to get this out of your system! I regret EVERY day that I let this happen to my daughter. I should have asked the questions, but I trusted the doctor."

• 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."

• wor...
• July 26, 2015

For Precocious Puberty "My daughter was prescribed Depo Lupron when she was about 6 years old. I would never recommend it to anyone. She gained a lot of weight, became obese, has a lot of stretch marks, has high cholesterol, high sugar levels, sleep apnea, and uses a CPAP machine to sleep. She fights with me to binge eat. I am so sad, I feel guilty for using this drug. I wish I would have let her get her period, she would have only struggled for a little bit with that, than with a lifetime of health issues. Who cares if they stay shorter? Short is beautiful too, and even big is beautiful, but this med gives health problems that did exist. I feel like I scarred her for life :("

• 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."

• bar...
• October 30, 2013

For Endometriosis "Feb this year I had an ovarian cyst on my right ovary rupture, it was the size of my 3-year-old's head. When they operated, they found I was covered with endo... ah, finally a reason for my pain for the last 2 years... I have just finished my 6-month course. Endo pain fine, but OMG the side effects, dealt with hourly hot flushes home and at work.. gained 10 kgs (awesome), but the mood swings, REOW!! my poor partner. Lucky he is amazing... no pain yet, but have to wait and see what's next. Maybe Mirena."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 8, 2018

For Endometriosis "I have been on Lupron for about a year. Last year, I had 6 monthly injections. The pain that I was experiencing before taking Lupron was horrible. Within 3 weeks of being on Lupron, I was pain-free with very minimal side effects. One of them was weight gain. For me, the weight gain was way better than the pain that I was experiencing before! I went off the shot for about 6 months, and the pain returned. The second time around, I received a 3-month injection. The pain got worse the first couple of weeks, then it was gone again. Now I feel like I can live a normal, pain-free life again. Still very minimal side effects. This drug has been a lifesaver for me! I read so many horrible reviews of this drug, but honestly, it's been a huge relief for me!!! I now can function again!"

• Lie...
• January 19, 2016

For Endometriosis "The side effects have lasted years, and Lupron itself caused depression. And I gained over 40 pounds rapidly within three months after use. It gave me seizures, and I had blackouts on top of the usual side effects. I was hospitalized for three days because of the seizures. Not worth it! I'm still plagued by the ungodly side effects every single day! Worst decision I ever made. Never again!"

• 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!"

• 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!"