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

• PS7...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2016

Leuprolide for Precocious Puberty "I was 7 or 8 when I started this treatment. My bone age at that time was of a 10-year-old. Now at 18, I have gained a lot of weight every year after stopping the medication. Although I don't seem like a person that weighs a lot, my BMI is on the higher end of normal. In addition to that, while on the treatment, I had a lot of acne. Apart from that, my periods are extremely irregular. I guess everyone handles medications and treatment differently. However, I would not recommend this drug at all. Firstly, it's extremely expensive if you do not have insurance. Secondly, people are supposed to grow by themselves. This drug has more negative side effects than positive ones."

• Kia...
• June 30, 2018

Leuprolide 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."

• Cia...
• June 26, 2009

Leuprolide 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."

• Nis...
• January 19, 2012

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide 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 :(."

• Men...
• November 20, 2015

Leuprolide 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."

• Des...
• February 20, 2016

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide 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...."

• Woo...
• March 29, 2023

Leuprolide 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."

• Anonymous
• April 25, 2011

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide "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

Leuprolide 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."

• Mis...
• July 12, 2015

Leuprolide 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."

• mel...
• May 11, 2011

Leuprolide 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2024

Leuprolide for Uterine Fibroids "I have been on Lupron for 4 months, about to have my fifth shot. I have a 10 cm submucosal fibroid which was causing pain, severe bleeding, and anemia. Since starting the Lupron, my migraines increased by double (I had to switch meds so I could go to work). I’ve gained 10 pounds, I have night sweats, hot flashes during the day, my mood gets angry and sad the week after the shot, and now my hair is thinning. I also am still bleeding daily (spotting). I was put on progesterone to offset some of the side effects. I have two more shots until my second surgery, and I can’t wait to be off this medication."

• khe...
• October 22, 2009

Leuprolide 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

Leuprolide 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."

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

Leuprolide 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."

• Wor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 5, 2021

For Precocious Puberty "My son used only 2 doses of leuprolide 11.25 mg in the year 2016. After the first dose, he experienced for 6 months (headache, nausea, 20 pounds weight gain). After the second dose, he experienced shaking hands, seizures (10 days required hospitalization), strong blurred vision and double vision (3 years), frequent seizures that were confused with epilepsy (1 year), balance trouble while walking, muscle weakness, strong muscle pain, myoclonus (4 years up to now). A DAN test was conducted, but no muscular or genetic disease related to symptoms were found. He is still experiencing strong damages from side effects. Leuprolide was stopped after the second dose. The epilepsy diagnosis was dismissed. Not recommended to use in kids or teenagers."

• Bay...
• August 27, 2017

For Prostate Cancer "Had a radical prostatectomy in 2009. Discovered to have spread to the spine in 2017 and was told I would be on Lupron till 'the end.' For me, the most telling effect apart from weight gain and hair loss (chest) has been the incredible emotional rollercoaster I have been on! What is especially striking is the fact that memories from 25 years ago and the split from my first wife seem more 'real' to me now than my current state! The pain of those old memories and regrets is exceedingly intense! Very strange!!! In fact, those old emotions became so powerful I sought out a psychiatrist to help me cope. Lorazepam has proven to be a godsend!"

• fat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2023

Leuprolide for Prostate Cancer "Tried Lupron Depot every 3 months two times, but severe fatigue, occasional dizziness, and passed out. Side effects were not acceptable to me. Orgovyx + Xtandi is much better. Although, without testosterone: fatigue, no erection, lack of enthusiasm, and weight gain."