Lupron side effects

For me, it has been about 10 years, I think, since I was on lupron. I got a shot every 3 months for almost 2 years. At the time, the Dr. told me that the Lupron was still in the experimental stages but they thought it would be benificial for me to try. I had a mini lap done because of a softball sized cyst rupturing so she couldnt see anything in my abd with the regular lap. I was diagnosed with stage 4 endo and started not long after on the lupron. I do not envy any woman that has or is going through menopause because the mood swings and hot flashes that I remember, were aweful.
Since the end of my Lupron, many years ago, I have noticed a few things that I never really put in line with the shots, ex...severe headaches, bad memory loss (to the point that I sometimes cannot remember things I just did), joint and muscle pain.
For me, the Lupron was a God send for the endo, I was cleared after about a year and went back 2 years ago for another lap and that was clear of endo but I have bad adhesions.
Before all of this started, I was a very active person with horseback riding, clogging (a type of celtic dance), and a very dependable person. Things are getting worse for me and I am only 32 yrs. old.
This is one of those moments, I know there was a reason for me to write this but now after being so long from reading the other comments, I cannot remember what my point was. No need to delete this though.
If anyone knows of anything that I can do to help with the memory issues, please help me out. All kidding aside, I cannot remember to take the vitamins that are suppose to help me remember.

I have had two shots of Lupron, as a result I've gained almost 30lbs, had very bad joint pains and little hot flashes. I also experienced hair loss and became moody at times. However, my doctor did warn me that I would gain weight as a result of the shot and that I may experience hot flashes. December 2009 will make one year since my first shot the second shot was in April and I"m just beginning to feel normal again. It is now November 2009

I am a 27 year old female and I have stage 4 endo and have had lots of rupturing ovarian cysts. The laporoscopy was pretty ineffective for me and I tried birth control and had severe vaginal bleeding during intercourse. So my doctor wanted to do 3 months of Lupron Depot and add back therapy with Premarin.
I have only had one shot of Lupron and that was on 10/16/09. I noticed side effects with in 24 hours. I had severe joint pain especially noticed in the right hip ( I was injected in my right side) severe migraines, awful mood swings, short term memory loss and that was all in my first week on the shot. I started feeling better like 10 days after the shot, but that was only short lived. Now even after three weeks into the shot, I am in so much pain in my joints, it is difficult to take care of my two toddler boys and my home. I now have a crazy rash on my butt, and still have so much pain in my body as well as feeling numb in my toes, left arm, and fingers. This drug appears to be more ineffective than effective and I feel like women need to explore other options before going down this unknown path. I found out through research on the internet that the Premarin that I was taking as an add-back is made from PREGNANT HORSE URINE and that the horses are treated like crap so everyone can get rich off them. There has to be other options for people that have already gone through the nightmare of endometriosis. I would take endo over these side effects any day.

I am suppose to get my fourth shot tomorrow!!I have been experiencing a lot of I am get hot flashes,vaginal dryness really bad, increased appetite,night sweats,and weight gain,last one that has been horrible to deal with is my severe headaches.I am 24 years old and mom of 3 children.We wanted to have the option open if we did decide to have another child.I am still having the cramping to the point that I can not be the mom I want to be.I really don't know what I should do.Now reading all these messages I am very scared.Any one with comments please feel free!!

I had my surgery July 16th. Last Lupron shot was June. My period has started back . I think it took about 2 1/2 months for mine to restart. I stop having the severe .irritating night sweats but I still get these off and on hot flashes that are not as severe as they were. I am hoping that the temperature changes will hopefully stop in the next few months. Although I don't like the body temp changes. I feel much better now that I don;t have the severe pelvic pain.back pain . severe abdominal pain . urinary tension and pain . difficulty standing straight and walking and excessive bleeding.

I have been getting lupron depot injections since my laproscopy back in August and had no trouble the first month except for hot flashes. After the second injection I started to experience migraine type headaches and I would get the shakes really bad through the night almost as if I was coming down with the flu. I just had my third injection and the symptoms are worse. I feel tired, nauseated, body aches, chills through the night and hot flashes all day long. Will my symptoms continue to get worse as I go on? I have two more months of injections and I am contemplating not doing it. My husband and I have a beautiful little girl but really want another child. Is two more months really going to guarantee pregnancy or is it a waste of my time?

I'm 24 and just recently finished my lupron treatment for endo. I'm still having some of the side effects and have yet to start my period again. I honestly would've rather had surgery again for endo than go through months of the side effects. The memory problems, overall fogginess, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, hot flashes, and just the stress and complete crappy quality of life I've had most of this year has completely affected all aspects of my life. It's not easy at work, at home with my husband- surgery took a day or so to recovery from and this has been a nightmare for months and months. I'd really think about it and research the benefits for you vs the side effects before doing it. If there are any other options- I'd absolutely consider them.

ok, so I am 28yrs old just had my lap for endo on October 1 and my doctor has recommended lupron, and am going to be getting the med in a week to 2weeks,but after reading this I am soooooooooo scared to even get near this med. Its like you either take this with the hope of saving fertility and no pain..or not and have endo ravage your body and you will live with unbearable pain!!! I have no idea what to do,and i am so scared after reading this. Is there anyone that did not have weight gain, headaches etc...anyone that can testify that lupron actually worked for them? did any one have a baby after doing this. my bigs thing is being able to have a baby. Cause right now its my health on the line, my ability to have children, my ability to have a normal life free of endo pain or these crazy, horrible side effects...please help me!!!

Well, I was doing some research because my pain from my endometriosis is returning and I'm actually considering asking my doctor for another round of Lupron. I was on lupron over 2 years ago and experienced minimal side effects. I had the hot flashes, no hair loos just hair growth in unwanted places like my face, and just a few bouts of tearfulness. i actually lost weight on lupron and consider it to be the most sane time of my life. The women in my family over produce estrogen so i'm not sure if maybe my experience was different in that my estorgen level was not depleted to nothingness but to a more normal level. I am saddened to hear so many women suffering with what I considered my wonder drug!

My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005
the doctor did the 8 weeks radiation treatment,,,,,,it has been a mess ever since,,,,,,,,,his numbers are still going up and his dr. gives him a shot of lupron every 3 mos.........it only brings his numbers down,,,,,,, i know if the numbers keep going up they did not get all of the cancer.....anyone else going through this.......thanks

I have had NO side effects from Lupron Depot. actually the only side effect I have had has been pain relief. I took it for nine months. I too have stage four endo. it has been a God send!

nausea
i throw up almost every day
im doing ivf in prep for egg donor...
i have to be on lupron 3 n half weeks and estrace which is a wt gainer....
hope for best....
maybe i lose wt with all this throwing up....
good luck all.

I have just taken my sixth and FINAL Lupron shot. I was unaware of many of the side effects, like IBS. I am a lot different than most women. I was born with a birth defect called cloacal exstrophy. I am 41 years old and have lived my life with no bladder or rectum, due to extreme reconstructive surgery at birth. I have a permanent Colostomy and urinary diversion (ileal conduit). I do not have a very large amount of intestine, which creates an absorption problem of certain things, one of them being Calcium. I have also had severe orthopedic reconstruction since birth.

In December of 2008 they found a mass on the right side of my abdomen along with a hydrosalpinx. The hydrosalpinx was drained and I was then urged to start a 6 month cycle of monthly Lupron shots. There is a long history of endo in my maternal family. I have been advised that because of existing scar tissue from so many past surgeries a hysterectomy was not possible. I can not even have a laproscopy to determine that the growth is actually endo.

3 months into the shots I started to suffer extreme diarrhea, lasting from 1 to 3 weeks at a time post the Lupron shot...it was blamed on overgrowth from past surgeries, etc. It has become a terrifying experience for me. Due to my inability to absorb calcium well I now have several calcium kidney stones that must be broken apart with a laser. I have no idea what will happen with the GI symptoms or if they will continue once the Lupron "wears off".

I have no concerns about fertility, since having children has NEVER been an option for me. My concerns are surviving my life longer without additional risk to it from taking this drug.

I have had the usual symptoms of sweating, night sweats, fatigue, Hair loss, loss of appetite and occasional insomnia. Again, the most concerning to me are the kidney stones and GI problems I have been experiencing, including "sludge" in my gallbladder.

I am severely disheartened by the lack of looking at the whole picture, at least midway through this treatment. This is compounded by the fact that my treatment stems from one of the country's "top 10 Hospitals", which is a direct affiliate of the Children's hospital that did an AMAZING job of successful reconstruction in 1968. It is 2009 and I have fewer options to improve this situation than I did the issues from the original reconstruction in 1968.

I feel I never should have been put on this medication and am deeply concerned about my survival from here. If I could go back 6 months, as informed as I am now.....this IS NOT the path I would have chosen. I no longer know which Doctor to trust, what decision is best for me or how much more I can take.

If there are any AMAZING Dr.s reading this, please feel free to contact me...I am desperate, I do not feel that this should affect my survival rate and am willing to listen to alternative solutions IN THEIR ENTIRETY.

Anyone with a shortened GI tract, absorption issues, or previous health conditions should WEIGH ALL OPTIONS and do AS MUCH RESEARCH AS POSSIBLE before agreeing to this treatment. I placed trust and confidence first, not one of my better decisions concerning my health. I will not continue treatment with Lupron.

I am deeply saddened to read all of these posts! I have a dear relative of mine who is suffering due to Lupron shots as you all are! Same symptoms same everything!

I did not know much of Lupron until she contacted me. My family knows that all my life I have struggled with health issues so they call on me for advice. It caused me to research Lupron for months. I am so glad it did, bc I was not aware that Lupron was so MUCH like Synarel was for me in my youth (I am 44 now).

I was prescribed this new unheard of Synarel for endo. It medical induced menopause-shrinking my uterus to the size of a walnut. I didn't care much about all that bc I was in pain w endo & cysts and was having way too many laps done. So I took this Synarel! You sniff 1 shot in 1 nostril am, and 1 shot in other nostril in pm. Suffice it to say that day built up and led me to 2002 where I had my oophorectomy-salpingo total hysterectomy.

I am in surgical menopause - and ladies so are you!! That is why all the terrible, terrible side effects! Losing hair, arthritis, hip fracture, hot flashes, insomnia, no libido, prolapse, etc. Just look at your mom, grandma, great grandma - you are experiencing their (age) symptoms. And doctor are saying that's a "normal" side effect of Lupron. Well of course it is your in Menopause!

THE GREAT NEWS is that there is help, answers, and health you just have to find it. I have been "finding" it since 2002 from all the resources I blog about and list on my blog (books, authors, doctors, pharmacies, websites, etc.). I am NOT a doctor just a woman who has been seeking answers to a life-long battle and who is FINALLY finding answers from those who have paved the way for me!

I would be honored if you would visit my blog and perhaps empower and arm yourself with the same information I have spent years researching!

I wish you all health, happiness and peace in these terribly difficult times you are going thru - there is light at the end of this tunnel - DON"T GIVE UP!

K.
******

I'm so sick with all the side effects just was released from the er for high blood pressure now great! it has been 1 month since my 5th and final shot how much longer until these side effects go away?

I just had my first shot of Lupron yesterday. I have an oversize uterus and will need to have it removed. I am 40 and do not plan on having any more kids, so that is cool. I am taking the shot to shrink my fibroids down to have the less invasive surgery because they are extremely huge at the moment. The same day I took the shot, I felt extremely drowsy and had to lay down to take a nap. I woke up and felt full of energy. The next day, slight tension in the neck and headache but that is it so far. I have some Premarin Estrogen tablets to take just in case of the hot flashes and night sweats but I am not taking those things unless I have to. I already had severe hot flashes and night sweats before all of this, so I am use to it..so its not a big deal..I also already had severe mood swings, extremely lethargic, and bouts of depression before all of this, so I really want notice the difference. So, so far, so good. I am not experiencing any side effects from the shot as of yet that I was already going through, anyhow..Each person is different..

Well this is my second go around with Lupron. In 2004 I was on it for 7 months for the treatment of Fibroids, at the time I was 25 and I was told the only other choice was a hysterectomy. Well my doctor at the time said the side effects would not be bad and so did not give me anything for the mood swings and hot flashes. This almost caused a divorce, I guess I was pretty bad! Well it did the job, but I did gain 30lbs. Five years later, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I was informed that I needed another go of Lupron. Well in those 5 years I had lost 100lbs and was feeling good. I started the Lupron in Feb. of 2009 and have gained almost half of that weight back and still no period. I have not had any children and it is looking like the next step for me is a hysterectomy. My depression that I thought I had under control worsened considerably and now am on 2 different depression medications. The only positive thing I would have to say is that the pain is gone for now and this time they gave me something for hotflashes and mood swings.

I took lupron for about a year or so back in 1999. I don't remember a lot, just the hot flashes, etc, that I was warned about. I began to have memory problems a little. As the years passed by, it became worse. It is 10 years later and I have no short term memory. I have searched and searched to figure out what is wrong with me. My memory is gone. Its a sad thing, that this shot is still being given.

I am 19 years old and I have depression. I had a Laparoscopy done in January to remove a rather large cyst... during the surgery they found that I have endometriosis mainly on my right side. After about two months of horrible pain (after the surgery) my doctor decided to put me through the 6 months of Depo Lupron. After a week the nausea was horrible and I actually vomited at work. The hot flashes have been horrible and my body hurts all over all the time. About a month or so into the treatment, my depression intensified to the point that I didn't want to live any more. I would sit up at night just thinking about how I could make it all stop. Crazily enough I stopped taking the depression medicine while one the shots and I felt a little better. I still have some bad days but it is better. The night sweats have gotten worse the past two months. I have a consult in a couple of weeks to figure out where to go from here in my treatment. I've read several "testimonials" and it seems that I'm not alone in the way I feel. My friends and family haven't exactly been understanding about it either. It's nice to hear that other people can sympathize with me.

I am so glad that I found this website I thought I was loosing my mind. Maybe I have, I used to be really quick on decisions, I was able to remember things and concentrate since I have been on lupron I cannot remember things at all. I feel like a complete idiot when before I used to feel kind of smart. On top of that I have had massive hot flashes for about a year.
I had laparoscopic surgery in May 2008 for endometriosis, held of on taking lupron for a few months than finally gave into my doctors advice to take lupron in July 2008. I had my last lupron shot in February 2009 and still am having hot flashes, memory loss, depression, weight gain, and still no period. Which after all of this is the scariest part of the whole thing. I went to my doctor today and she told me that I should have started my period already and I may have now gone into menopause permanently.
Wow what a great way to start the day sorry you cannot have kids because you could be in menopause. HAS ANYONE HAD THERE PERIOD RETURN AFTER NOT HAVING ONE FROM LUPRON AFTER 6.5 MONTHS? I am really worried that my chance to have a child is no more after having surgery to prevent this very thing from happening. HELP.

tHIS IS MY SECOND WEEK OF 2-10ML A DAY ONE IN THE MORNING AND ONE AT NIGHT. I REALLY HAVEN'T HAD ANY OF THE SIDE-EFFECTS I'VE READ UP ON ,BUT THE AREA'S (STOMACH)WHERE I INJECT MYSELF IS STARTING TO GET TOUGH AND HARD FOR MY HUSBAND TO INSERT THE NEEDLE. iS THIS NORMAL?

I was on lupron following a laproscopic surgery when I was diagnosed with endometriosis. I had two 3-month shots. I gained a little bit of weight, and had some hair loss. I would also recommend to people that they take add-back therapy like I did, it takes away a lot of the side effects, and I barely had any hot flashes or night sweats. In the beginning, I was so scared to get the shots with seeing all the horror stories online about what it has done to people, but for me I think it's a success story. I have been without pain for 10 months!

My 8 year old daughter started Lupron about six months ago due to precocious puberty. She started her period about eight months ago so we saw an Endocrinologist who told me there were NO SIDE EFFECTS. With the second shot, I noticed mood swings and tearfulness that I had never seen before. With the third shot, she had a rash for one day that was relieved by Benadryl. She no longer has mood swings and has not had a rash again but she has gained 8 pounds and I have noticed hair loss. The front of her hair is twice as long as the back. Her doctor has recommended that she stay on the shots until she is 11. Now that she is 9, I have decided to stop the shots and we will just have to deal with her having a cycle so young. It was a difficult decision for me to start her on the injections, but I made the decision believing that there were no side effects. This may be true in some patients, but it was not true for us. I just hope she can lose the weight and that the hair loss is not permanent.

I am due to start the depo lupron shot this Wednesday & i was just wondering how quick the side effects start....if anyone can help me please do....oh yea and im nervous as can be ....

I had a lap done last year in May and my doctor removed an adhesion that was hanging above my uterus. Also a fibroid (3 cm) was found in the muscle and is located right against my bladder. My doctor could not remove the fibroid because of its location and because of a risk that I might have scar tissue and could be a problem to get pregnant. He also said that I could have some other complications, like lose a lot of blood. I feel like he is not being straight with me. I also have ovarian cysts which is common in the women in my family. Since a teenager, I always had really bad cramps and heavy bleeding. As I got older, it became worse. Before I had the lap done, I bleed for 6 weeks straight. I was changing pads every 30 minutes. Then my stomach extended so far out that I looked pregnant. I could not sit or stand. My husband had to take me to the E.R. An ultrasound was done and found that my uterus was enlarged (9 cm). I was put on Nothridone to control the bleeding and to treat endometriosis. After taking 2 months of this drug my doctor did a vag lap and abdomen lap. Everything was good that is what he said. I believed it. I was doing better. I was working and had no pain for 8 months. Then it all changed for the worse. I started to have really heavy menstrual bleeding and lots of blood clots. I felt week all the time and sick. The bleeding went on for 8 weeks and finally my doctor said that I had to take Lupron injections. I asked my doctor if he could just do a myomectmy and he said no because that was should be the last result. I could no longer stand the pain and I asked him what kind of side effects come with this drug. He made it sound like it was not bad and that there are very little side effects. He gave me a some information about the drug and I read the information and I did a lot of research. I was terrified but I had to make a choice. I was calling in sick because I could not work with the pain and worrying about embarrassing moments when my pads failed to keep me from overflowing. So I took the 1st shot in May along with add-bak therapy which is Nothridone. The bleeding tapered off slowly and the pelvic pain decreased. I did not feel any side affects right away until the second week. I started to forget things and would just stand in the middle of a room feeling confused. I always had headaches since a child but now they are pounding headaches, which I cannot stand any noise. I also can't stand the light. I have body aches like I have the flu and have problems with my right hip all of a sudden. I had a x-ray done because my doctor thought I might have fractured my hip. There was no sign of a fracture but my pelvis id tilted. I have some arthritis in my spine which I do not understand how that happened. Sometimes I cannot walk and I have to use crutches to get around. I cry all the time because I am extremely sensitive and confused. I use to be a very strong person and now I just cry all the time. I called my doctor to tell him what I have been experiencing and he said its all normal. I have already had a total of three Lupron injections and the symptoms just get worse. I have been spotting here and there, sometimes I have a pinkish discharge, and now the pelvic pain is back. My doctor knows this and he just says its normal. I requested for another ultrasound because I am worried something is wrong and he said that I have to wait until I get the 6th injection.I feel like my doctor is insensitive but he is supposed to be the best GYN doctor where I live. I also want to say that I have gained 20 pounds in three months. My sex drive is gone. My hair is thinning. I lost my job because I ran out of FMLA. This has been a nightmare! I am losing trust in my doctor. My poor husband and family are having to put up with what I am going through. I pray all the time to help be stay focused and think positive. I just do not know what to do anymore. Is there anyone out there that can give me some advice?

Hi. I just had a laproscopy done 3 weeks ago for endometriosis. I am 26 yrs old and have been dealing with this pain for almost 2 yrs now and it is the worst pain in my entire life. My doctor is now suggesting Lupron because even after the laproscopy the endometriosis was level 4 and had bonded to my intestines and literally trapped my ovaries and uterus against the lining of my stomach. The pain was a 15 to say the least and the past 3 mos it had landed me in the E.R. Finally the docs figured it out. I started my period 2 weeks after the surgery and the pain was still pretty bad. An 8. Now I am seriously considering Lupron. My health is on the line and this pain is not right. At this point I am considering a hysterectomy if Lupron does not work. Any help suggestions please? Monday I follow up with the Dr.

I have severe endometriosis and am even severely anemic from the cysts that developed and my monthly cycle. I was going to an Oncologist for a year to receive iron infusions every three months. It is a two hour process. Not bad, but boring and sad because I was surrounded by cancer patients there getting chemo. I began my lupron shots May 2009 and it has been a Godsend! The pain is gone, I have more energy, I feel more alert and I am not sleepy all the time. My OB/GYN did put me on Wellbutrin as soon as I started getting the mood swings and that has been a tremendous help as well. The hot flashes and night sweats are really the only side effects I have to contend with. My OB/GYN wants to give me a prescription for low dose hormones but I refuse. I have lost a lot of weight over the years (174 lbs.) and am PETRIFIED of gaining it back. She told me that it was very likely that I would gain weight with the hormone replacement. I'd rather have the hot flashes and night sweats than gain any weight back as I worked sooooo hard to get it off and keep it off. Does anyone have any suggestions of any natural products such as herbs, minerals, vitamins, etc... that would help with those two side-effects?

lupron makes me a bad person. i easily get irritated even on very little things. mood swings is very out of this world. i'm on my day 4 of lupron and i can't control my emotion anymore. i do deep breaths to try to control it but it doesn't work for me. i really have to shout my emotion or else i feel i will burst or die of heart attack. i don't know what to do anymore. i have to be relaxed to have a successful ivf. need your advice.

I was injected with Lupron and the shot last for three months. I had the shot in order to stop my periods to increase my blood count for surgery to remove fibroids. The first two weeks, I spent having a very light cycle. I'm 2 1/2 months in and haven't had one since. I have, however, had menstrual cycles and never had them when I had my cycles before Lupron. I have a high tolerance for pain, but I was constantly popping Motrin to deal with the cramps. I experience pressure in my head during the second month, but it has gone away. My sex drive sky rocketed since I've been on the shot, but I have some vaginal dryness. My energy has also decreased since being on the shot and I don't work out like I use to. The three months is almost up so hopefully I can get back to normal once it's over.

im currently on my fourth month of treatment with lupron and would like to know if anyone that had fertility problems was able to conceive after a course of lupron...? im 32 and have 2 beautiful children, but would like one more before i undergo a hysterectomy...i have been diagnosed with endometriosis, adenomyosis and severe pelvic adhesion's. i was in so much pain that it was ruining my life...the lupron has been pretty great this time around...six years ago i did it without any add-back therapy, but this time im taking progesterone along with it and the side affects have been minimal...still have mood swings and a decreased sex drive, but no hot flashes or night sweats. its definitely worth the pain relief...for me anyways.

I have taken Lurpron Depot 3.75mg June 11, 09. I am due another injection July 09,09. I had to get a prescription of prometrium 100mg from the OB/GYN because of the night sweats and hot flashes.Since the injection, I have had and currently experiencing migraine headaches in the frontal lobe and temporal lobe areas. I have slight pain in the temples. I am going to see a neurologist because I was told the lupron may cause brain bleed with people whom have pituitary cancer. I would like to know if the CoQ10 and red yeast rice interacts with Lupron.

I am a male 61 who had 2 years of lupron for prostate cancer. It has been a little over 6 years since my last treatment and I am still suffering from the side effects. I have headaches 24/7 and am very sensitive to heat. I have ended up in the hospital twice due to extreme heat. My psa is slowing coming back and I may have to have lupron again, God help me! I also suffer from depression, maybe from being ill for so long, I also have occasional bouts with nausea.

I am in the middle of my second month after getting the first shot (for 1 month) and the second ( for 3 months). I have recurrent fibroids and ovarian cysts that caused a lot of pain and severe bleeding.
I was scared to try Lupron. I consulted with my uncle who is an OB/Gyn and he told me that the version they use now is very safe, with side effects like many other drugs...
My doctor gave me options for the treatment, but because I want to get pregnant again (already have a 2 1/2 yr. old boy), hysterectomy was out of the question. The doctor removed some of my fibroids laparoscopically before I got pregnant with my son, but since they "showed up" again, he recommended to treat them with Lupron instead of removing them trough surgery, because the surgery leaves scarring that can later interfere with fertility.
Anyway, YES I have experienced many side effects mentioned here: hot flashes, mood swings, a couple of headaches, and some "bloating". The worst side effect for me has been insomnia...but they really haven't been that terrible...you learn to deal with them. I am in no pain and didn't get my period this month.
I guess everybody is different and they experience everything in a unique way.
My suggestion is to try it if you really need it and weigh in the pros and cons objectively.
Good luck!

I just took my first shot of lupron depot 3.75 mg. yesterday.. I will be having an endometrial ablation done to help with horrible periods. I have suffered from long , heavy very painful periods for yrs. I am 32 yrs old and am scared to death about the lupron shots.. i was told to get ready for hell..!! is it possible to not have side effects? so far i feel normal.. HELP!!!

ok, so I am 28yrs old just had my second lap for endo and my doctor has recommended lupron, after reading this I am soooooooooo scared to even get near this med. Its like you either take this with the hope of saving fertility and no pain..or not and have endo ravage your body and you will live with unbearable pain!!! I have no idea what to do, my post-op surgery appt is this week, and i am so scared after reading this. Is there anyone that did not have weight gain, headaches etc...anyone that can testify that lupron actually worked for them? Cause right now its my health on the line, my ability to have children, my ability to have a normal life free of endo pain or these crazy, horrible side effects...please help me!!!

Just received 2nd Lupron shot and like so many others, severe fatigue and severe dizziness - cannot drive. Lots of headaches, and pressure in my head, blurred vision and an asthmatic feeling in chest and throat. I'm wheezing and having difficulty taking deep breaths. All this to reduce the pain of endo - I'm not sure which is worse.. I figured I could deal with the hot flashes and mood swings, but this is brutal. I feel really "drugged" and out of it. I hope the pain actually improves because I still have no life.

I just went in for my second shot of Lupron (out of a series of 6) for treatment of stage IV endometriosis. The most noticeable side effect I experienced was during my first menstrual cycle after my first dose of Lupron. I had never experienced menstrual pain or cramping (even though I had advanced endometriosis) until after Lupron. I have a fairly high pain tolerance and yet the cramping for the first 2 days of my period were almost debilitating. I had extremely heavy bleeding and have had spotting daily ever since (app.18 days). I have gained about 3 pounds because I have no energy at all. I'm usually active and work out 4-5 times a week but by the time I get off work, I'm too fatigued to do so (hence the weight gain I guess). I have hot flashes and night sweats all the time. The most recent side effect is high blood pressure. I have never had high blood pressure in my life (I'm a healthy 25-year-old woman) and when I went in for my 2nd Lupron shot today, they told me I all of a sudden do. I don't seem to have mood swings but do feel depressed and sometimes more anxious than normal. I have experienced a decreased interest in sex as well.

I have been on Lupron for almost four years for my endo. I have yet to get my period but have to say that while on the shot I had hot flashes, severe mood swings, and night sweats. All of the symptoms came in cycles and for the most part I felt great. I actually lost weight, and the best part, never got my period (duh). My sex drive fluctuated and I did experience vaginal dryness. I just want to get my period, it's freaking me out that I haven't gotten it over a month after I was supposed to take it last.

I've been searching for answers on LONG TERM side effects of Lupron hoping that it could give me answers as to what's going on in my body now!
23 yrs ago my fertility dr. gave me Lupron to inject MYSELF EVERY DAY (experimental back then). I had SEVERE endo since the age of 16 and was fighting that as well as trying to get pregnant thru invetro. I was 26. At 29 I had an emergency hysto. Now at 48plus I have chronic tendonitis where the tendons will shred off of the joints. I have been diagnosed with C spine and T spine disease, osteoarthritis and a mystery that I'm going to have to go to the Mayo to figure out (hopefully). I have tumors that are growing in my lower back...growing around nerves, tendons and bone, They aren't sure why they are there, why they are growing, or even what they are. Surgery removed 2 of them...but pathology shows foreign matter other than tissue/bone. All they DO know is that it is not cancer. One year ago I started losing weight (25 pds) for no reason. I'm now holding my own at 112 and hoping to figure all of this out. I can't help but wonder if Lupron or any other experimental drugs I was on has something to do with this. Is there anyone out there that used this drug so long ago??

I guess this is case and point that all medications does not affect everyone the same! I took 8 Lupron shots and never gained a pound (lost some in fact, from all the sweating), never got headaches and my sex drive was unbelievably WAY up there!! I looked forward to each shot. The only side affect I considered unbearable was the hot flashes. I coped and again, I lost weight; therefore, I considered it a great sacrifice. I had a wonderful experience. After my first shot, I did get very emotional, but after the second one, I was enjoying the benefits. My energy level was up and I seemed to have had a new zest for life. It seems that every side effect mentioned by both my doctor and research was the opposite for me. My recommendation for anyone looking into the shots is to try it and see how it affects YOU instead of letting bad experiences by others guide you. Good Luck Ladies!

Well, Let me offer a slightly more positive review of this drug. I have been on it for 5 months now and have one month to go. All my pain from the endo and the large cyst I had are gone, at least for now. Yes, I experienced hot flashes, night sweats, constant sweating actually, oily skin, nausea at first, and the two that are the hardest to deal with, acne and the weight gain. i think I've gained like 10 pounds, mostly in my stomach. From what I read on here it does not go back to normal after the drugs ware off as my Dr. assured me it would. Is that right? Has anyone gone back to normal weight wise after the drug? Oh, and I did have a mood swing here and here in the first 2-3 months but actually my mood is much better as the add back therapy had fake progesterone in it and I think my body was lacking that. I guess I'm happy with it as long as I can loose the weight afterward.

I was on the Depo Lupron for 4 months. I had all the typical side effects; hot flashes, acne, night sweats, and weight gain. All which I was told by my Doctor that are all normal.... I asked if there were any other major side effects and he said some, but with a very low occurrence and left it at that. Well, I started gaining more weight... I put on 15 pounds in less then a month. I had a lump on the side of my throat and couldn't figure out why I was so tired all the time, why my hair was falling out, and why my skin was so dry. I went online and read a little more about the drug and it's side effects. Yep, right there it said it was known to cause thyroid problems. So now I have to live with hypothyroidism, something that is manageable, but will never go away. All because this drug. I say if you don't need to take it, DON"T!

I just had my 2nd lupron shot, and I have to say I am fine, no negative side effects. My first shot, it had stop my hot flashes and I was sleeping better, after getting close to the 28 day mark , I started to feel the pain and discomfort that I had before the shots and agree to the 2nd shot. I was having hot flashes before the 2nd shot and still have them, but the most important thing is I am not having the pain which was horrible pain that I needed tylond codeine to help me. I have not seen any weight gain, I stay active and work out even harder , no increase in appetite, so I will take it and see each month if any side effects come upon me, but so far I am good. I have to say that I was already into menopause before these shots.

Unfortunately I've had to stop the Lupron injections. I lost my job and with that my health insurance. I am wondering can anyone tell me when I can expect my period to start again?

November 6, 2008 was my last injection and it was a 3 month dose. It is May 2009, I am 39 years old and I have not yet had a period. My fibroids ae back to their large abdomen filling size so I am very worried.

Not having insurance or adequate funds has reduced me to the internet for research first before venturing out to a doctor as a "self-pay" patient.

I have had two 3 month lupron shots now for the treatment of Fibroid. I was diog. with three softball size fibroid. OB recommended the Lupron shot to shrink them. I actually like it!! The symptoms aren't so bad. I lost weight on the Lupron shot. and I figure if I can sweat and not have to go to the gym that is fantastic.

My girlfriend has taken a total of 2 Lupron shots. She is due for the third, but refuses to go back. The first shot did not due much, but after the second, the night sweats and hot flashes came. Now, she is always tired, has been since a month ago, been having major headaches also. Feels sick at times and has gained 10 lbs. She is having acne problems and she even is taking a pill that is suppose to stop that problem. I have never seen a drug like this junk. The doctor never told her of all this, just said this will help with the stage 3 endo she has. DO NOT TAKE THIS JUNK!!! It is just another way for doctors to take your life away from you and still let you live.....

I don't for one second believe anyone saying this drug worked for them with no side effects.

I also don't believe it actually does anything, going by the amount of people saying it doesn't do crap. Seek alternative medicine, and Doctor Redwine of Oregon. These drugs only mask the symptons of the condition and do not treat it at all. the only thing close to a cure is Excision surgery to remove the Adhesions and Endo cells from organ walls.

Don't buy your doctors bullshit for a second. they don't know crap about what causes endometriosis let alone what treats it. Estrogen is required for much more then just reproductive capabilities in a womans body and this garbage drains it to dangerously low levels. risking permanent infertility.

is it normal to stop having your periods after your first injection. Wondering because i am 3 days late and been having pregnancy symptoms took a test and said negative.could i still be prego?

I am 26 years old and I was diagnosed with endometriosis last year (2008). I had pain in my lower abdomen for years and doctors always told me nothing was wrong but I knew there was. Finally a doctor did an ultrasound and found a 7cm mass on my left ovary. I also had a slightly smaller mass on my right ovary. My doctor told me that he would need to do a lap to remove the masses and possibly remove my left ovary because he could hardly see any ovarian tissue on the ultrasound. Thank goodness when he did the lap I was able to keep but ovary but he told me that I had one of the worst cases of endo he had seen. My right ovary was stuck to the wall of my abdomen due to the endo and I even had endo on my bowel. He removed what he could but not all of it was removable. He suggested that I go on Lupron for 6 months to "shrink" the rest of the endo. I have been on Lupron for 3 months. I just went and got my second 3 month injection. I have had some side effects such as Headaches, Bone pain, Hot Flashes, Insomnia, Drowsiness, Increased appetite and major Mood Swings. All of which come and go. I try to stay active but I don't over do it. It seems to help with the joint pain. Most of my side effects were in the first 2 months of getting the injections. I am told all the time that everyone reacts differently to Lupron and there is a pill you can take to reduce the side effects of Lupron but it does reduce the effects of the Lupron so my doctor suggested that I not take it unless the side effects were unbearable. I don't remember what it is called but if you are one of those people having major side effects ask your doctor.

I'm a 26 year old female that has had the lovely experience of taking Lupron twice in my life. I was diagnosed with endometriosis at the age of 19 after having a lap. I had been suffering from excruciating back pain for months. The lap only helped for 3 months and then the pain returned. My doctor recommended Lupron for 4 months and so I jumped at the chance to feel better. I actually did ok with the shots. I experienced the hot flashes, fatigue and crazy mood swings but I was willing to try anything to feel better. After the 4 months, my life returned to normal and I had 5 good years of pain free life with normal periods. My body on the other hand did not react well to birth control so I couldn't use it. For the last 2 yrs, my husband and I having been trying to conceive with no luck. 1 yr ago my periods took a wild turn. I began bleeding so heavily that I was bleeding thru my tampons every 5 min and began passing clots the size of a half dollar. These episodes would last for bout 3 hrs. This continued for 3 months and so my doctor recommended Lupron again. I was cautious about taking it again, but I was desperate. This time around I suffered from weight loss, nausea, severe bilat hip pain (due to low bone density), and receding gums along with all the usual Lupron side effects. My dentist said my gums and teeth looked like I was 60 or 70. FYI, I have never even had a cavity!!! I'm now 3 months post Lupron. I still haven't started my period again but my symptoms have subsided. Its just a waiting game now. I hope to get pregnant soon but I will probably go on fertility drugs very soon. All I can say about this drug is that it worked for me the first time and I hope it did the second time. It definitely was not easy and I don't recommend anyone going into it lightly. Good luck to anyone who is thinking about it and I feel blessed to have gotten out of it with a lot less problems than other men and women