Lupron injections symptoms and conditions

In the past five years I've gone through two six month Lupron treatments. The first Lupron treatment was given without a Laparoscopy. After being told for ten years that I was one of the unlucky few who have "bad periods", I finally found a doctor who would listen. She diagnosed Endometriosis after I listed my symptoms and put me on a Lupron treatment plan. I had one one-month injection and two three-month injections. Most of my side effects were tolerable; weight loss (almost sixty pounds but I was over weight to begin with), hot flashes, night sweats and memory loss. However, I experienced horrible back and hip pain...to the point of following up with a pain management doctor who insisted there was no reason for me to be in pain.

About four years later I found a really great doctor who performed a laparoscopy to diagnose my endo. She removed fibroid tissue from both ovaries and my colon. My next period was just a horrible so she suggested we follow up with another Lupron cycle. I expressed my concerns with the pain I experienced the first time and she suggested I have add-back therapy. She prescribed a regimen of Estradiol and Norethindrone along with six monthly Lupron injections. The side effects were worse this time around. My depression kicked into overdrive, I was constantly struggling to keep my anger in check, I would wake up dripping from night sweats, hot flashes were bad, blurred vision, memory loss, insomnia and the pain in my back and hips was excruciating. She prescribed Celebrex for my back and hip pain, which didn't help too much. I have a three year old son and had to use a wheel chair when we went to the museum because being on my feet for more than fifteen minutes was impossible.

I've now been off the Lupron for about six months and I have yet to regain any sort of short term memory. My vision is much worse than before I started the second cycle and has yet to reverse. My depression is still bad, as well as anxiety and irritability. However, as soon as the last month of Lupron started to wear off, my back pain did dissipate. I'm still having trouble sleeping but have found solace in Ambien...which could be a bad thing. I don't want to depend on chemicals to help me sleep at night. I just had my yearly exam with my doctor and she apologized for all the pain I experienced. She told me that in all the years she's given Lupron treatments, she had never seen a patient in as much pain as I was in. I don't think I'll be undergoing the Lupron treatments again in the future. I'm currently starting Yaz as a way to keep my periods at bay and only have three or four a year. I'm not real sure if that's a good thing either but we'll see. I have sympathy for all the other Lupron patients out there who experience the bad side of the drug. I don't understand how a medication such as this, which has such drastic side effects, can be marketed to people who are already suffering from pain in the first place.

My daughter had her first Gardasil shot in June. She started to have severe pain on her right side. Doctor diagnosed bladder infection. After 3 days of antibiotics ended up in emergency room due to severe pain in her right side. They did a ct scan and found a tennis ball sized cyst on her ovary. They thought her pain was from the cyst so she ended up having surgery to remove it. While they were in there they found endometriosis. So now we are working on a treatment plan. They gave her a shot of Depo Provera. She got her period while on vacation and the pain was so severe that she ended up in the hospital again. Her pain is being caused by the endo and is so severe it is debilitating. She had regular pain before with her periods, never anything like this. Another problem she is having is severe pain on both of her hip bones. My daughter was a normal, healthy teenager before this now they want to suppress her periods until she is ready to have children. I can't help but think this is due to the Gardasil.

Just experiencing serious fatigue, and hoping this will end once the Lupron injections are stopped. I'm on Lupron through the end of July. Though I will say it is worth it if it helps my sister have a child (I am donating my eggs to her).

I am 30 years old and have been put on Depo Lupron after a laproscopy to help with endometriosis. I am 2 months into a 6 month course (one shot every 3 months) of Depo Lupron and my life has drastically changed. I started feeling life altering hot flashes and night sweats two days after the first shot and nearly drown myself in sweat 24 hours a day. I experienced a little postpardum depression after giving birth 6 years ago but have found myself sunk into a sinking hole of depression and anger like I've never felt before. I bawl at McDonald's commercials and become enraged if the dishwasher isn't loaded properly! I am ecstatic one minute and severely depressed the next. I have even had thought of suicide since being on this shot. I am normally a very outgoing, athletic, cheerful, happy person - but since taking this shot, I have become a stanger in my own head. I tell my family all the time that I need to "go stick my head in the freezer" to cool off because of the horrific hot flashes. I have to carry a handheld fan with me 24 hours a day and sleep with ice packs to keep cool. Since the shot started 2 months ago, I have lost all sexual drive, am thoroughly exhausted by 9am and find myself crying at my desk at work by late afternoon because I am so tired. My family thinks I am going crazy and I've never fought more with my husband. My daughter has gone to grandma's for awhile because I'm just so tired and irritable that I feel like an awful mother. Migraines have also come full circle since the onset of the shot as well as blurred vision and shaky hands. I'm a little achy throughout the as well. I know that everyone responds to medication differently, but I'm finding a lot of people with the same side effects as myself and have to wonder why the doctors don't warn patients about these types of problems before prescribing medications such as Depo Lupron. I don't think I'll be going back for the second shot. Could it get any worse?

I had many of the same problems (as jssrabbit) which were a result of Lupron injections. I did not lose my job, but easily could have had I not been there so long. I did wind up taking a leave of absence. My doctors kept saying that they didn't know what was wrong with me, and that my severe muscle pain, joint pain and fatigue weren't known side effects. My life drastically changed as a result and I am still trying to recover emotionally a couple years later. My sympathy to all who have had these horrible problems. I understand that many people can take this with minimal problems (my father was given for cancer), but people should be aware of the potential for very bad side effects and be allowed to make an informed choice. It can have a huge impact on your life.
BTW, I'm just curious, do any of you who have had bad side effects have a thyroid disorder? I'm pursuing a theory - I am hypothyroid and wonder if that affected my outcome. Best of luck to all -- skrrks

I had surgery in August, 2006 for Endometriosis, and a Lupron injection 2 wks later. That one injection changed my life. Even though it was a year and a half ago, I'm still feeling the effects. Which is what brought me to this site -- I'm searching for an answer.

These were/are my symptoms:

-- I experienced immediate and increasing hot flashes that lasted for nearly 6 mos.

-- Extreme fatigue and the "activativation" of Epstein Barr Virus. I started sleeping 18-20 hrs/day and lost my career job because of it.

-- Cognitive dysfunction, memory loss, loss of concentration, etc.

-- Blurred vision (and I have otherwise perfect vision!)

-- To date, I have gained 40 lbs that will not budge no matter what my diet!

-- I have severe muscle weakness and burning (such as if I go up a
flight of stairs). Muscle atrophy and stiffness.

-- My joints (hips, knees, feet) hurt and I have a lot of back pain.

-- I have TMJ quite badly and it causes my arms to go numb.

Last year my doctor ordered a hair analysis for heavy metal poisoning -- and my levels were off the charts. I've read that Lupron is suspended in thimerosol, or mercury, and that raises a host of issues that I'd like to research, if anyone has info on that.

Today, I am doing much better in terms of being out of bed and active, but I am unable to lose the weight, despite an organic, all natural, gluten/dairy/sugar/corn/soy/caffeine/etc. free diet! My belly is always bloated and big.

I am really active, but I tire easily and still haven't been able to get over that "hump", as it were, and really exert myself. Before my surgery and the Lupron and the EBV, I was an avid dancer. It is my passion and I can hardly do it at all now. I cannot swim a full lap in a pool without my leg muscles burning.

I have read of some people having good experiences with Lupron, but I have read far more horrifying ones. Part of me doesn't want to accept that Lupron is the cause of what I'm experiencing...could it really be that simple? And part of me is happy to shed the burden of guilt that "I must just not be trying hard enough" in exchange for an outside cause. I guess research and knowledge is the best medicine in this case. =}

I have taken 2 Lupron injections and have felt awful. This past Saturday night I was rushed to the hospital via ambulance b/c I collapsed ...when i came to i was disoriented and vomiting they seemed to think this was from the Lupron.....I have been trying to get pregnant for 1 1/2 years but i guess I have to say enough is enough.. I had no idea until i started researching today that Lupron had such severe side effects. I was supposed to go for a third injection today but i canceled the appointment....i can't live like this anymore...how long will it take for me to stop feeling the effects of this?

I have been taken 10 units of Lupron for the past 3 days in preparation of IVF with donor eggs. I am also on BCP until tomorrow. The symptoms from lupron were felt pretty much after my first shot. I have been feeling irritable, moody and have terrible insomnia at night and a mild lingering headache, but no hot flashes - at least not yet. The insomnia is terrible as I wake up in the middle of the night with horrible thoughts and feeling agitated and irritable. I would describe the overall feeling as if I have been drinking 20 cups of strong coffee per day and feeling constantly pepped up. But as some of you said, I keep on thinking of the end result and the opportunity to possibly get what I would otherwise miss out in life if not for these drugs - a baby to love and cherish.
Ok, for now we endure Lupron and the future meds like progesterone oil shots which sound "very" exciting.
Good luck to everyone.

I am a 43 year old women with 2 children. After my second child I started having problems with infections and pain during sexual intercourse After 5 years and 3 doctors I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I had surgery and still had some discomfort so my doctor suggested the Lupron shots. I was very concerned about the side effects. I talked to my husband and prayed about it a lot and decided to go with the injections. I just had my last of 6 Lupron injections the other day. I have experienced most of the side effects such as fatigue, mood swings, joint pain, lack of desire for sex and night sweats but have handled it pretty well. I was very concerned about the weight gain so I started a pretty intense exercise schedule (work out everyday) I have lost 5 pounds and feel the exercise helps with the fatigue. Even though I did experience the side affects due to the fact that I did not take my add back therapy like I should have I feel so much better than before I started the Lupron injections.

WOW...
I am about to start IVF and do one cycle of Lupron injections starting next Friday. You guys have officially scared the crap out of me. Thanks!

I have taken Lupron injections for almost a week now. Me, and my husband are focusing on the end result...the baby. I am different than usual(as far as mood swings), but it is comforting to know that it will change here soon. It's also helpful to read other's issues with the drug, so I know I a not the only one.
Yesterday, my girlfriend came over to visit...I was crying uncontrollably....which I never do that! I also get VERY snappy with people..especially my husband. I am mad so much more and more intensely

My husband and I found out he had Meatastic prostate cancer 13 months ago..We went to the doctor because his lymph glands were hudge.. He has been on the Lupron injections ever since.. He had really bad hot flashes for the 1st few months but that has past, but now he is very moody and angry for no reason.. He yells and gets angry over the littlest things i think he is going crazy and he is driving me nuts, he has no desire for me and is rude and acts like he don't even like me sometimes.. it is torture to me..He has depression he doesn't enjoy anything like he use to.. whenever we go try to have fun he gets all stressed and makes the fun turn into miserable..He acts as if he has no problems..He has some big rashes on his legs and crack and I am pretty sure it is from the Lupron shot also.. he has a little aches and pains. Very tired all the time..just about a week ago we found out the Lupron shot is not working very well anymore, his psa level went up to a 15..I am thankful for the shot because i know it has saved him some time to be here.. I love him so much, but the way he is now has caused me to feel like he is a grouchy roommate on his period 24/7.. There is other things like casodex to take but i heard it does not work as well as the Lupron..Hopefully one of these days they can find something that works even better then Lupron without the side affects..The lupron Shot has helped many people live longer, but what about the quality of life he is miserable but I am sure he rather be alive and miserable.. Good luck to everyone with the Lupron shot, it is a trying time when they or you go through these changes and do not understand why you feel negative and unhappy..

Hi All,
Just wanted to share a positive Lupron experience. I began Lupron in Dec 2005 and ended in Jan 2007. I took monthly Lupron shots for a year straight. However, my Dr. prescribed an add back drug called Norethindrone which I took once daily the entire time I was on Lupron. The only side effect I had was about a 10 pound weight gain. When I asked my doctor if this was from the Lupron he said maybe 3 or 4 pounds of it. I was eating right and exercising during this time period but was still gaining weight. About a month after I came off Lupron I began losing weight and was able to fit into my old clothes a few months later. I am sure it was the Lupron that caused me to gain weight.
If you are taking Lupron without any add back drug, this seems when all of the other horrible side effects come into play. Just wondering if anyone had a really bad experience even while taking the add back drug.

I took one injection of Lupron for fibroids in Nov. 2001. It totally changed my life, I am no longer the same person I was before. It started with severe migraine headaches for 14 days straight and attacks of nausea, lack of appetite. I used to have a strong stomach - now I was very easily nauseated. I never went for the second shot. I began to have panic attacks regularly (I had not had them for over 20 yrs). I was tired all the time, and a person who used to work out at the gym 5 days a week - eventually I quit. Now I just walk. I feel about 65 yrs old (I am just 49). I look old, my face began to droop, my hair thinned. I had bouts of depression coupled with general anxiety. My migraines worsened. My sex drive dropped to zero, I feel almost "sexless". I used to be confident, now I was afraid of everything. I now suffer from irritable bowel syndrome - with bouts of diarrhea, bloating and severe gas pains. I have trouble eating sometimes.. I have had all the tests and no one can find anything wrong with me,and none of the doctors think all these problems are due to Lupron. But, I know - I was NOT like this before Lupron. It ruined my life. I just wish my doctor would have informed me of all the terrible side effects - she only told me about hot flashes. I looked into suing her for malpractice but the lawyers said they could not build a case with no real medical evidence that my symptoms are caused by Lupron. I just wish I had known then what I know now. I tell everyone - NEVER take Lupron. Six years later and I still feel like this. Oh what I wouldn't give to have not taken that drug.

I have actually not started my Lupron injections yet. I am scheduled to start tomorrow and I wanted to do a little more research before I start and after reading some of these posts, quite frankly I am freaking out. I have had a total hysterectomy due to endometriosis, adhesions, cysts and several other conditions. Now I am thinking "why do I need these injections?" I don't want to have these side effects. I have felt better in the last 6 weeks (since my last surgery) than I have in 4 years. I am scared now if I start these injections I am going to feel like crap again and I feel like my family just got me back. If I no longer have any female organs, why would I be put on Lupron? My doctor says to prevent anymore endo from forming, but doesn't endo form only if you are producing hormones? I feel so ignorant about all this and it is my body. How stupid am I for not knowing all this?

I just started the IVF process and I am on my 3rd day of the lupron injections, 5 units. I started having hot flashes, and sweats lasting the better part of today, I also am experiencing a mild headache. I thought i would get online to see if this was typical for the medicine. I am also taking birth control pill wich will stop tommorow. I haven't taken BCP's in over 16 years and only for a few months. The BCP's did have me nauseous, and a little moody but i have seen a marked difference in the taking of the lupron in just three days. Only 5 units I am thinking whoa! I can just immagine what will happen over the next few weeks of this.

I have rcvd 2 Lupron injections so far. After the first injection, I experienced a strange memory loss. I was driving home and I totally did not know where I was. I couldn't remember how to get home. I was terrified. Finally after driving around and around for an hour I found my way home. I was hysterical crying from the fright. My doctor said it couldn't be from the Lupron. Yet others say they had same side effect. After the second shot I experience Vertigo (dizziness). I felt drunk and kept falling down. When I sleep I feel like my mattress is floating and turning sideways. I keep feeling like I'm going to fall off of it. I have to drive to work and when I'm this dizzy its so dangerous. Its so difficult to work. I get headaches and feel sick to my stomach all the time. I get joint aches and severe depression. I already have severe neuropathy from the chemo I took. Now this! After reading your posts, I am scared to death. I don't want to take this any more. I'd rather die from the cancer than deal with this.

Like alot of other women have said before, It all started out o.k. After the third shot I went to see my doctor who said that the results of treating endometriosis for 6 months with the monthly lupron injections had better data than after 3 months for putting the endo into some kind of remission so that I could be pain free. Was told the usual side effects list of hot flashes/night sweats, mood changes. Never heard about "the others". About three weeks ago I started having back pain. I have a three year old that I still pick up some times, so I thought I just pulled a muscle. But then I could move very well and was laying flat on my back for about two days. Went to m.d. and he gave me steroid and muscle relaxer - Didn't really seem to help, but got better over about 5 to 6 days. As soon as the back pain went away a headache came on - no thats an understatement a migraine on steroids - I couldn't stand any light or noise and the base of the back of my head just throbbed. Memory loss has been off the charts for conversations I had just the day before. I have deep pain in my hips, legs, and especially my right foot. When I stand up I have to wait a second because my foot tingles and I can't really feel if I'm walking on it, Then it wakes up and I go on. I have appointment with doctor again on October 5 o6, but also have phone call in to her to call me back about symptoms. This is really scaring me after reading some of these statements. Can anyone give any new advice - anyone been on this for 4 months or more and had these symptoms and stopped the shots and feels better. I don't care if the endo comes back, that pain was bad, put me in the emergency room 4 times, but not like this. Have I gone to far to come back? I hope the mother didn't let her daughter have the shot for an early period? May God help us all!

i am 29 and had a laporoscopy performed and it was confirmed that i have endometriosis. my bladder was attached to my uterus and as a result of the doctors findings, he recommended a 3 month course of lupron injections(once a month). prior to surgery he informed me of the side affects that i would experience would mostly mimic that of a woman going through menopause. two days later i was miserable. i started looking online and found many women who seemed to have suffered more than benefit from the injections and the unfortunate part of all of this is, i feel like im stuck with these chemicals running through my veins for potentially longer than i was ready to commit to. unlike most, my pain was bearable. with four advil on the first day of my period when cramps were the worst i would be fine. i would much rather endure that type of pain than the side effects of lupron. bone density loss, potentially permanent joint pain and all the other scary side effects that i've read from other women far outweighs the menstral cramps i would get once a month for a few hours. i understand that lupron not only helps with pain but helps decrease the aggressiveness of endometriosis in some women. but quite honestly, if i've lived for 29 years fairly normal, i'd much rather get on the pill and schedule for another laporoscopy in another 29 years and laser off what ever build up i get a that time!

After two years of lupron injections I lost six inches in height
due to severe osteoporosis also thyroid had to be removed.
Believe this medication removed normal male protection against what are normally womens' diseases. The reason for
lupron injections was to reduce psa. Bad medical decision.

I hope many people read this. I was treated for endometriosis at age 29, 1995 with 6 months of lupron injections. yes, it may have gotten rid of some of the problems like period cramps, but I have developed permanent memory loss; my short term memory is shot; I had the worst depression during those 6 months. The thing that bothers me the most is that 11 years later, I still have memory issues. I wish I had known back then that the medication was not even FDA approved for infertility.

I wish I would have read these comments prior to my injection two weeks ago today. I would never have had agreed to this treatment. I have had hot flashes almost every half hour of each day. I am tired and have no energy at all. They started me on norethindrone three days ago for the hot flashes. What a waste that is. I had severe pain in my jaw the second day. Regardless of what my dr says I should do or not do, no more lupron injections. I would rather have a 6th surgery to remove the endo than to endure another month of hot flashes and sweating, and not to forget the mood swings, depression, and body aches. I wish I would have researched the medication before taking it.

I am using daily low dose Lupron injections in preparation for an IVF surrogacy. This is my second try as the first embryo failed to thrive. The first cycle, the Lupron clouded my thinking and caused severe aches and pains. This time around, though, I am having more frightening symptoms of heart palipitations and chest pains that keep me from sleeping at night. It's hard to know when a doctor should be seen about these side effects or simply wait them out, as they seems to be common with this med. I am required to take this med, there is no other option, but I want to give a word of advice for those using Lupron for the treatment of ENDOMETRIOSIS- I HAD LESIONS CAUTERIZED WHEN I WAS 23 (6 YEARS AGO) AND I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD COME BACK INDEFINITELY. THE CONDITION IS CAUSED BY AN EXCESS OF ESTROGEN. THERE IS A SIMPLE,SIDE EFFECT FREE,AND CHEAP WAY TO REMEDY THIS CONDITION. YOU CAN GO TO A HEALTH FOOD STORE AND FOR $16-25 YOU CAN BUY A NATURAL, PLANT DERIVED PROGESTERONE CREAM THAT YOU SIMPLY RUB ON YOUR SKIN. IT WORKS! I PREVIOUSLY HAD 2 MISCARRIAGES BECAUSE I WAS LOW ON THIS IMPORTANT HORMONE. A MEDICAL DOCTOR WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS TREATMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE TRAINED IN ARTIFICIAL MEDICATIONS, NOT NATURAL. GO TO A NATURAPATHIC DOCTOR IF YOU LIKE, OR SIMPLY DO THE RESEARCH YOURSELF, AS I DID. SYMPTOMS OF LOW PROGESTERONE ARE TROUBLE SLEEPING, WEIGHT GAIN, THROID PROBLEMS,LOW LIBIDO, UNABLE TO SUSTAIN PREGNANCY. When I am not preparing for an IVF cycle, I have been using it faithfully beginning the 12th-28th days of my cycle for 6 years. You would not believe all the health problems that hormone imbalance causes. I am now in great health(sans Lupron), ideal weight, have no problems with my thyroiditis (I have not needed meds), have no trouble sleeping(normally), and have not had a single fibromyalgia flare up since (again, before Lupron) and I was able to sustain a pregnancy to have a wonderful son. AGAIN, DO NOT EXPECT YOUR DOCTOR TO INDORSE THIS, MINE DID NOT AND I HAD 2 MISCARRIAGES BEFORE FINALLY TAKING MY HEALTH INTO MY OWN HANDS. GOD IS GOOD!

I'm 21 years old and was treated for endometriosis back in August of 2004. I started my Lupron shots one week ago because my endo., has already returned. Even though it's only been a week, I've aleady started feeling the side effects. I started feeling extremely tired, weak, and I've had severe nausea that started a few days ago, not to mention migranes. Are these normal side effects of the Depo-Lupron injections? The day before yesterday I stayed home from work because I felt weak, severe cramping and nausea. Yesterday when I returned to work, I had to come home early because I started vomiting and couldn't stop. Today, I'm back at work, I haven't been vomiting, but still have headaches, and nausea. I know I'm not pregnant because I just had a heavy menstral last week and I even took two pregnancy tests early on to see if I was and both tests came out negative. I just got married 3 weeks ago, so my poor husband has to put up with all of this, but he's been really helpful and supportive. If I decide not to continue on, will it hurt anything? I don't want to keep going on like this.

Lupron has been a terrifying experience for me. It was recommended as a last approach prior to a hysterectomy. I am 29 years old with two children. I have an incredible amount of scar tissue as a result of infections. I experience incredible hot flashes, confusion, extreme insomnia, joint pain, sharp pains in my back and abdomen, extreme vile nausea and dizziness. Vision issues, you name it. It was wonderful to see feedback from everyone to know that I am not alone. My doctor says that all of this is a figment of my imagination. The most terrifying of all is the fact that I cannot seem to think straight. I was an incredibly technical person before I started on the lupron injections (i'm on my 2nd and last 3 month shot), and I now feel like I've been reduced to nothing. I cannot manage to do things that would have been extremely simplistic before. Sometimes the cramping is so bad that I cannot move. I cannot wait until this is over.