Leuprolide and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cia...
• June 26, 2009

For Precocious Puberty "I have extreme mixed feelings about this drug. At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with precocious puberty. My endocrinologist suggested I start Lupron, and I did. It did exactly what it was supposed to do. I quit growing taller and stopped puberty-like symptoms. One problem: I did not grow taller, but I was still eating. I gained a lot of weight, but the doctors promised that once I quit the shots, everything would even out. I quit the shots after 7 years of treatment, and it did not 'even out.' The weight gain caused insulin resistance, which also played with my hormones and led to polycystic ovarian syndrome."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Nis...
• January 19, 2012

For Precocious Puberty "I was diagnosed with CPP at the age of 7 and began the course of Lupron shots monthly and would go every six months for check-ups. I did get my period one time when I was 8 years old while still on the shot. I must have started treatment too late because I never reached my full adult height. Now, at the age of 22, I am right under 5 ft. (4'11). It caused a lot of weight gain as well."

• Sha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 20, 2019

For Endometriosis "I had severe endometriosis. I had the kind of pain that makes you blackout. I would bleed all over my chair at work. I wear only black or navy pants. So far, I've taken 3 shots, and thankfully I am pain-free. I have no period. But the hot flashes are HORRIBLE. I'm always hot and tired. I don't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. I've gone as far as putting ice packs on my bed so that I can sleep for a few hours. I've gained about 35 pounds in 9 months, my hair is thinning, I ache all over, my vision has decreased so much, I seem to forget everything if I don't write it down. I think I got the entire list of side effects, however, that pain before taking Lupron? No way! I literally shake when I think about it. I'll try to manage."

• Ei...
• December 7, 2016

For Endometriosis "I have endometriosis and adenomyosis, and pain was scary, and I became bedridden some of the days. I had my first Lupron 11.25 mg in June 2016. I am suffering following side effects, but I will continue this medication as pain from endo and adeno is worse than side effects. - Swelling at feet - Weight gain - 6 kg in 6 months - Increased sweating - Hot flash suffered only the first month of this treatment - Fluid retention - Carpal tunnel - Forgetful - Growth of upper lip hair - Slipped disc and compression of the right leg nerves. I am going to take the second injection soon, and after that, I will go for hysterectomy. Btw, I am just 36 :(."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 19, 2025

For Prostate Cancer "I've been taking it for over a year and noticed a pronounced sadness and depression that wasn't there before. I am an adult male. I also have weight gain even though I exercise. I have to force myself to do things. My PSA and testosterone have come down to almost zero."

• Men...
• November 20, 2015

For Endometriosis "This drug ruined my joints, chronic pain, I lost an inch in height, and my endometriosis was only gone for three years. I have gained 40 pounds, now have lost my mobility, can no longer dance or go out, I'm only 36, but I feel twice as old. I would never have taken it if I had known it was a chemotherapy drug for prostate cancer."

• Woo...
• March 29, 2023

For Prostate Cancer "Been on Lupron now for 3 1/2 years. I’m 84 years old with metastatic prostate cancer. Lupron did take my PSA from 196 to almost zero. However, I have all the side effects… fatigue, hot flashes, ED, and a 13-pound weight gain around the middle. I’m alive but have very little quality of life. There are new studies showing that very high doses of testosterone (I know it sounds crazy) have been shown to reverse the cancer and give men a much better quality of life. I’m going for a new treatment soon as the Lupron is starting to fail as my PSA is creeping up. My advice is if you can avoid Lupron, do it at all costs. Your life will change with the first shot."

• Des...
• February 20, 2016

For Endometriosis "Desperate for relief after 2 surgeries within 3 months of each other, I was so hopeful about this medication. I ignored the reviews and got the shot (11.75 dosage administered every 3 months). I regret my choice so much. First, the expense! Even with insurance, my out-of-pocket was $1,100. The mood swings were so bad that I became suicidal. I've gained 20 pounds that exercise and nutrition can't shed. The hot flashes were controlled by an OTC called Estroven. The pain did subside, but only for the 1st month after each shot (I got 2 shots total). Now, the pain is back and worse than ever and I'm only on month 5 of the treatment. Surgery #3 scheduled in 2 weeks. This med is NOT worth the side effects."

• bit...
• June 11, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis during an appendectomy, but due to cluster headaches, hormones were contraindicated. Eventually, Lupron was advised. My mom, who NEVER had any menstrual cramps, told me horror stories, and I reacted as usual and agreed to the Lupron injections, and I have lived to regret it. Like so many others, I had severe menopausal symptoms, mood swings that made my fiancé think I was bipolar, and attempted suicide twice in a 3-month period, which is very unlike me. It caused weight gain, which I'd never had, and threw me into early menopause at the age of 46, 8 years after treatment. Now I'm suffering from acute hypertension, and I'm at risk for a stroke, which can't be attributed to anything else. But hey, no cramps!"

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

For Endometriosis "I've received my first round in June 2015. Almost immediately, I started experiencing side effects. Headaches, weight gain, hot flashes, constant sweating, mood swings, made my depression worse, now swollen legs and ankles, also severe joint pain. This is becoming unbearable, and I'm rethinking doing the next cycle. It's helped with my endometriosis, which I'm happy about, but these side effects are a...."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2011

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis after having a laparoscopy. I started the Lupron shots not long after the surgery. While the symptoms seemed to fade, the side effects were terrible. I had unbearable mood swings, which caused many problems in the family. The hot flashes were ridiculous. I also ended up gaining about 20 pounds within six months. The pain did subside, and I have not had as much pain since I finished the injections 10 months ago."

• Nas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 5 endometriosis back in the early '90s. My Dr. suggested to me the Lupron shots. The reason we did not do the surgery at that time, I was young and wanted children, so to help with the awful pain and miserable time of the month, we started Lupron injections. Let me say, the side effects were awful! The hot flashes, I wanted to go out into the snow naked to cool off. The mood swings were out of control, however, I was put through the menopause stage and no periods, that was heaven. I was on the injections for 6 months, then after I was off, the wicked horrid pain and cycle started. The weight gain was insane. I had to go back on the injections, but since the weight gain, I quit after the 2nd injection."

• LOR...
• December 4, 2019

For Endometriosis "I've finished my third cycle of Lupron for endometriosis, and it kicked my butt! Each cycle includes an injection each month for 6 months. Once I finish Lupron, I slowly have periods, and each month the pain gets stronger. Last time was bad, but nothing like this. There's no way of describing it other than 'Roid rage.' I couldn't control my emotions. For 2 1/2 months, I was manic. I'm talking fighting fits of rage and sobbing on the floor, which is nothing like myself. I'm almost emotionless. Hot flashes, hair thinning, loss of sex drive. That last one, which I hope doesn't affect you, surprisingly is one of the worst. Gained 30 lbs over 6 months while dieting. Even with an extremely strict diet, I have only managed to lose 2 pounds, and it's been 2 and a half months since my last injection. All in all, I'm not sure if I will go through another treatment of Lupron as all the side effects that affected me seem to get more intense each time."

• Az-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2020

"My prostate cancer was treated with radiation in 2003 but came back around 2013, and PSA has climbed all the way to 14.8 now in 2020, so thought it was time to try something. Lupron gave me horrible side effects, including severe hot flashes, about 2 every hour, 24/7, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, weight gain, constant urination, very low libido, etc. On the positive side, I only had one 3-month shot, and my PSA went from 14.8 down to 0.3, however, I am not going to take another shot and will see how it goes. Will try to eat and exercise better."

• aha...
• April 2, 2017

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 16, started 6 months (6 injections) of Lupron therapy at 17, and felt amazing. Yes, I gained weight and got the hot flashes, depression, and swollen legs and feet, but it was all worth making the pain go away. Fast forward 5 years, and endometriosis is back with a vengeance, plus I had a golf-ball-sized cyst on my ovary. So I had the lap to have the endo burned out and the cyst removed, and of course the next step was up to me, and I begged for Lupron! Sadly, I've been let down the second time around. Symptoms are all the same, but now the pain is still persistent, even in my 6th month. Major sad face about that."

• mel...
• May 11, 2011

For Endometriosis "Been on this for 3 months. Yes, it does diminish the pain, but feel terrible by the side effects. Get mood swings, hot flashes, acne, and if that's not bad enough, weight gain. It's like you are a whole new person and not a very nice one. I have also been feeling very depressed. I only have one more month until my surgery, so I'm trying to stick it out. Best of luck, ladies."

• Mis...
• July 12, 2015

For Endometriosis "I've been on Lupron twice in 6 years. The first time was 2008, and I didn't experience any symptoms. I was extremely happy about that. Like most of you reading, all the side effects had me a little on edge. The second time my doctor suggested that I get on it (Dec 2014), I agreed with no problem. Hoping that will be the same experience as the first time. Ohhhhhh, but it wasn't. I had hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. I couldn't wait until those 6 months were over. Unlike the first time, 3 months off Lupron, my cycle started, and 2 weeks later, two cysts, 7.5 cm. I was devastated and in so much pain, and before you knew it, I was having surgery. I'm 2 days fresh out of the hospital on Lupron again. I pray this time I have a different outcome."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2025

For Prostate Cancer "Overwhelming, suffocating hot flashes that cause instant full-body sweating. This has caused disruption to all aspects of each day (whether at work, at leisure time, or bedtime). This drug causes weight gain regardless of exercise intensity. It has completely stopped all sex drive or interest. It has caused genital shrinkage and, at times, discomfort. I have unusual fatigue and muscle atrophy. I have been getting the drug for a year and a half. I will not be able to tolerate any more of this drug. It has kept my testosterone level at near undetectable levels."

• Why...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2017

For Precocious Puberty "My 9-year-old has been on this drug for a year and has put on 11 kg. I have just decided to stop the injections as I have read so much on long-term weight gain. Can anyone advise if they too have had this side effect? I’m now worried, even though I have stopped it, now how will she lose the weight as it just isn’t budging, though we have cut her calories, etc."

• Bru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2024

For Prostate Cancer "I am taking this drug along with 10 mg of Prednisone, so some of my symptoms may be from either drug. I've been taking Lupron Depot for four months and the prednisone for eight months. Hot flashes, 15-20 per day. Lasting 3-4 minutes. Dizziness, but much better since I stopped taking Flomax. Weight gain, always hungry. Prednisone does this to me. Fainting, may be dehydrated at times. A bit of chest pain, but not serious."

• khe...
• October 22, 2009

For Endometriosis "I just had my second shot 6 days ago. I will admit that my pain from the endo is a great deal better than it was. I was a few days late to get my 2nd shot and could feel the symptoms coming back slowly. The side effects are miserable. I don't want to finish out the treatment. Going for a second opinion. Will be trying estradiol today for the hot flashes, which have been the worst, at least 3 an hour, and all night long. Haven't had any weight gain so far, weight loss, probably because I am so paranoid about gaining."

• klu...
• July 19, 2017

For Prostate Cancer "My experience on this drug mirrors that of Albert Owens. The side effects are truly awful, no energy, no sex, headaches, no sleep. I am either sweating or peeing all night. Deep depression, anxiety, nausea, memory loss, legs swelled, 2 stone weight gain around the middle, no quality of life left. I must agree with burned-out wife also because my wife feels just like her, and it is not nice. I have over another year on this stuff. I am happy for the men it has worked for, bless them, but for myself and others, it can be a nightmare. Take care and good luck to all."