Lupron and menopause

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 beneficial for me to try. I had a mini lap done because of a softball sized cyst rupturing so she couldn't 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 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.
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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.

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?

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 took a series of six shots for Endo. I went immediately into menopause and it was not fun. The Doctor did inform me of some of the side effects but by the time I stopped I could not even stand myself. The hot flashes came in waves. I had mood switches where I thought I was Sybil. I now suffer with back pain, aches in my joints and memory lost. At the time due to the endo I would have tried anything. I had bled so bad and consistently I was anemic most of the time. I was blessed to have a child but afterwards the endo came back as strong as ever. I ended up having a complete removal and was told just recently that I still have some endo tissue still causing me some problems.

On July 9, 2008, I was admitted to the hospital for severe anemia, due to a heavy period that was on it's 3rd straight week. Because I had lost so much blood, I had to get a blood transfusion (4 pints). Since my bleeding would not stop, my doctor gave me a shot of Lupron. I was discharged from the hospital the next day because the Lupron stopped the bleeding. A week later I got, what I think was my normal period (which I don't even know what that is anymore) and that lasted 7 days. Almost immediately after receiving the shot, I noticed my hair was falling out in clumps when I washed it. 2 weeks later, I started getting bouts of suddenly feeling hot and sweaty. I didn't think much of it. I just thought my A/C unit needed more freon or something. That was until I went to see another Dr. for a second opinion. I am 38 years old with uterine fibroid tumors and my first doctor wanted me to get a hysterectomy. I have 2 teenagers and do not plan to have anymore children, but I just wanted another opinion. My second doctor informed me that Lupron's side effects are hair loss, loss of bone density, hot flashes, and premature menopause. When he mentioned hair loss and hot flashes, I knew then that I was not going crazy! Anyway, the second doctor explained to me that the loss of bone density and premature menopause would happen if Lupron is taken consistently. I just want to know when is my body going to get back to normal. All I had was one shot of this stupid drug! The hot flashes are not only uncomfortable but also embarrassing! It's been 3 months since I received the Lupron shot and the hot flashes have not vanished nor decreased. I know that every female's body reacts differently to different drugs, but if Lupron causes all these side affects, I suggest that you read up on the drug before taking it. I was told that if my bleeding comes back that I can ask for another Lupron shot. Well the answer to that is thanks but NO THANKS. Seriously, I would rather bleed than go through more hair loss, hot flashes or any other debilitating side effect.

I have had endo for about 9 years now. 6 surgeries later, I decide to try the Lupron Shot. I took the 3 month dose twice. I did not experience any side effects until the 2nd month, which included hot flashes, mood swings, sleepiness, no interest in sex, weight gain, horrible headaches, loss of memory, pains in all my bones, breast tenderness, blured vision and so on. I am now off the shot after being on it for 6 months, and I am worse now then I was then. My pain is back from the Endo, my stomach feels like there is a huge ball in it, I have extremes of sever diarrhea to constipation. I feel like Im going to throw up every other hour..sometimes I do. My bones hurt worse than ever. I still have no memory and I cannot concentrate very well. My Dr. will not allow me to have a hyst because he feels I am to young. I am 27 married with a child..how much older do I have to be to get some relief? So, yes I liked Lupron, it did help. but I would rather get this crap taken out than go through all of this again.

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?

If you have any other course of treatment, take it. It has been 6 years since my last injection of Lupron. Between the ages of 26-36 I was given a total of 18 injections( 3- 6months treatments), to try and treat my endometriosis, It did not work, I ended up having my ovaries removed. I was not aware or told of the effects from the Lupron I would have(* except for TEMPORARY hot flashes and no period) to tolerste over the years. My short term memory is gone almost, I feel like an idiot most of the time. I can remember what bathing suit I had when I was five, but I can't remember a what subject I am talking about when I am on the phone or talking to a person for example. I am 43. Because of all the Lupron I was given, I had to start getting a yearly mammogram when I was 30 because of the hormones, so I get an added bonus of a 10 year head start on radiation form the x-ray machines. Besides the memory loss, I have insomnia, hot flashes, vision problems, fatigue, and LIVER problems ( I am not a drinker or a drug user). I know people would think this is a normal part of menopause, however, I have been having all of these symptoms, even with my ovaries and never had any of these symptoms until my 3rd injection of Lupron. I refuse to go on PREMARIN, (why would I want another hormone, and one made from pregnant horse urine!) If Lupron works for you, wonderful, but my doctor, said the symptoms would be gone within 4 months after my last shot. HE WAS WRONG. Good Luck

I WAS GIVEN MY FIRST THREE MONTH INJECTION IN JANUARY, SO IT WAS SUPPOSED TO END IN MARCH, SO FAR THIS AWFUL SHOT SEEMS TO BE IN MY SYSTEM STILL!! NOT ONLY DO I STILL GET NIGHT SWEATS, I HAVE MAJOR JOINT PAIN, FATIGUE, MEMORY LOSS AND STILL NO PERIOD (ALONG WITH OTHER SIDE EFFECTS, TOO LONG TO LIST!)!! MY MAIN REASON FOR THIS POST, IS TO ASK IF ANYONE KNOWS HOW LONG IT TAKE TO GET YOUR PERIOD BACK?? NOT THAT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IT, BUT I AM JUST CONCERNED, BECAUSE I HAVE NOT HAD ONE IN 2 1/2 MONTHS!! ANY REPLIES WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

I am 50 years old...nearly bled to death from fibroids and became anemic. I had extremely heavy periods and had to receive a transfusion of 2 units of blood when my blood count went down to 7. My options were 1) Do
nothing...2) Take 6 months of Lupron to hopefully bump me into menopause....3) Fibroid embellization...4) Hysterectomy. I am trying to avoid a hysterectomy....and needed time to get my blood count up before any other procedure. I have had some of the side affects...hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats,.....but I had them before because I was pre-menapausal anyway so there is really no difference. Have not noticed any weight gain and I get my 3rd shot today. Everyone's body is different...for now Lupron has been a life saver for me.

I have been on Lupron Depot for a year and a half, and it has been terrible. I am a stage 3 endometriosis patient; I was diagnosed last year on my first day of school. They did a laparoscopy, D&C, and cystoscopy. I have experienced nausea, weight gain, mood swings, paranoia, night sweats, hot flashes, dizziness and have had to be hauled out of school in a wheelchair on many occasions. This is all while on Lupron Depot. It has barely taken my pain away, but I will say that at first it worked amazingly. I don't know if my system is just immune to it now, or what. I had to leave school today because of chest pain and my pulse was 111 bpm. Before I started Lupron, I was told that I "may experience some mild hot flashes at first, if anything." The hot flashes are absolutely brutal. I went from being a straight A student to barely scraping by, trying to get weeks of makeup work done. I have always been a sane, calm person, but when i went on Lupron, after about a month also had to go on Prozac because I was so incredibly paranoid and mood-swingy. I also went from a size 2 to a size 7 in about 2 months! I exercise regularly, I ride my horse everyday, and I eat right. I've always been in shape, but Lupron made me gain so much weight!!! I wouldn't recommend Lupron, but I don't really see what other choice there is, since they have already tried the pill and that stopped working after about a month. I'm so frustrated, and I can't take it anymore! Menopause and pain from endo are making me miss my life. I can never go out, I always have to call in to work, and I haven't been in school consistently for about a month.

To anyone considering going on Lupron Depot, I would think long and hard about whether you are ready to deal with the side effects of Lupron.

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 had the worst experience of my life. It has been very hard for everyone around me to understand what I have been going through physically and mentally. I read one of the other posts about feeling like the "hulk" when your mood swings come on and it is no joke. I've lost friends and my boyfriend of three years. I have been off Lupron now for a month and I still haven't regained any strength. I used to actively go to the gym 4-5 days a week, now I'm lucky if I can make it through a one hour session every month. This medication was also recommended highly by my doctor without a description of the side affects. It was the most miserable experience of my life. There are plenty of other treatments out there and I beg for you to try them first.

I have not taken Lupron. In fact, I refused to take it at my doctor's insistence. I am a healthy 45 year old woman - why would I give that up for a temporary fix (6 months at most) for my endometriosis when I may have other options?

I don't want to trade my low blood pressure, healthy body weight, healthy bones, ability to sleep, clear skin, normal bowel movements, lack of severe migraines and lack of irritability for lack of endo pain.

I do not discount the endo pain - it can be crippling - but so is this drug! Everyone must make their own decision regarding whether or not to take Lupron but please, please do your research. Most doctors don't let you know that you have options. Call the Endometriosis Organization and ask for a specialist in your area. Endo is a little-known and often misunderstood disease. Find yourself a surgeon with a great deal of experience with endo - NOT an OB with a great deal of experience delivering babies.

It really upsets me to see so many women feel that they have to pay this price to relieve the pain. I am going to an endo specialist for a second opinion in a couple of weeks. I don’t know what he’ll say about my case but I am pretty sure the answer won’t be Lupron.

I am not usually a person who senses a doctor or a drug company is unethical, but remember, there will be no greater advocate for your health than yourself! Educate yourself, and ask your doctor lots of questions. If your doctor gives you a hard time – find another one. It’s your body and you have to live with the consequences.

I have had 3 shots of Lupron - going for the 6 months of shots. I've had some hot flashes - mood swings and headaches. These side effects are consistent with menopause I'm told. Our bodies are being forced into menopause and the side effects we experience now - we'll experience in true menopause is what I'm guessing.

So no, not every person has a NIGHTMARE experience as you read on here. It's not great - but it's not terrible. The pain that prompted the need for Lupron shots (after my hysterectonmy last year, age 35) is gone.

Studies on the Lupron site will give you a better idea of what percentage of women experience the various side effects.

I am 19 yrs old. I am have 2 surgeries to cauterize my endo. My doctor recommends I take the lupron shot. Im not so concerned with the pelivc pain with enod, its tolerable. Im most concerned with infertility. I am so young, and having to choose between going into menopause and not having children is not something i thought i would have to do. I have suffered from severe depression for 6 yrs, and i finally have it under control. Im terryfied that taking the shot it going to make me depressed again. Any words of advice?

Well, I'm 29 I have three boys 1, 4, and 6. Between My one year old and four year old i had a miscarriage. I've always had bad periods but i learned to deal with it. After my last baby who was born at 27 weeks gastation. My periods got worse!! Besides that i started passing blood clots. ?@## What in the world was wrong with me?? Well, i went to see my doctor and i told her i had bad pains with my periods and passing blood clotes. We decided to do a Hysteroscopy, a Laparoscopy and a DNC!! Well, the test results came back that i have servere Endometriosis!! I seen my pictures AND THEY DON'T LOOK GOOD. But i don't like either of the options... Lupron shot or complete hysterectomy including my ovaries..NOT LIKE'EN THAT EITHER. RRRRRRR someone help me!! It's been a little over two weeks sence my surgery and i started reading about it endo. I got the book ENDOMETRIOSIS The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health By MARY LOU BALLWEG and started on an Endo Diet even started takeing Vitamins "MEGA VITA MIN FOR WOMEN". I just don't know what else... learning from the book over 600,000 hysterectomys are done a year and only 100,000 are really needed! AND after learning more about Lupron... i don't like it!! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME FIGURE THIS OUT! Who wants to face all this at 29... and go through menopause at 29...Not me...but this is what i was delt..

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!

I was on Lupron for 6 months to help reduce fibroids on my uterus. It worked fiarly well reducing the size of the fibroids so my everyday life was more comfortable (except for the menopause-like effects). However, I had to come off it because it caused a blood clot to develop in a vein around the jujuenum (sp?) in the intestines. I had severe vomiting and nausa. I had to come off it for which I was sorry because teh fibroids came back.

I have had one shot and waiting for the second due to insurance difficulties, I have had the hot flashes, memory loss, word loss, server headaches, joint pain, weight gain, muscle pain, easy brusing, rapid heart rate, light headed and dizzy, lactating, and now doctor is running test to see if hemoglobin and hematocrate is low and he drew a CMP lab, when I go through menopause when I get older I hope someone just shoots me. And I am only 25.

I was given the four month injection three weeks ago to throw me into menopause because I have breast cancer.
I have had breakthrough bleeding two weeks and the third week I have had excrutiating neck and back pain.
Mild night sweats, no hot flashes. Anxiety.
Pls e-mail if you have experienced the bone pain. Thanks.

I feel I need to add my story for some balance on Lupron. I'm 53 and am finishing my fifth month on Lupron. I began taking it because I'd been anemic and bleeding very heavily (because of a fibroid) for quite a while, and I wanted to avoid a hysterectomy.

Mine is almost all good news. My hematocrit (I think that's the word, it measures iron) went from 30 to 40 after a couple of months, most bleeding gone although the verdict is still out on whether I've hit menopause and can expect to not resume bleeding when I go off Lupron (this month or next). My side effects have been almost non-existent. Occasional headaches, some fogginess, absolutely no weight gain (and I'm the type that gains weight easily), sleeping well, and normal moodiness. I fully expected hot flashes especially since I'm almost at menopause anyway, but haven't had any. I do get warm sometimes, but no intense heats or sweats. I exercise (walk or lift weights) almost every day so maybe that had something to do with it.

I think it's important that a woman considering Lupron know that it's not always grim news when you receive the shots, and that even if you do experience some of the side effects, it is better than the effects we are currently suffering (i.e. pain from endometriosis, excessive bleeding). I don't think women should reach for Lupron readily, but in some cases it is the best option.

OK ladies (and gentlemen too), I have just completed my second 6-month course of Lupron. The first time I had some side effects while on the medication (mood swings, hot flashes, massive - 40 lbs! - weight gain, memory and concentration problems, aches and pains, etc) - but the withdrawal was worse. I was trying to plan my best friend's bridal shower and couldn't do it because I was mentally non-functional, and I had diarrhea and other unpleasant effects. Within six months, however, I was able to hold a full time job, take graduate level classes, and do all my other activities. And Lupron gave me 12 symptom-free years - I was sure my endo was cured.

After I found out otherwise last fall, that I had huge endometrial cysts again PLUS some small fibroids (the result of all the pills and progestins I'd taken trying to help the endo), I faced surgery and Lupron again. My doctor was extremely conservative and JUST took out the large cyst on one side - leaving several smaller ones on the other side as well as ALL the adhesions. He recommended Lupron again, and I decided to take the bull by the horns and to do what I could to help myself.

During the course of Lupron treatment, I tried to consume at least 40 mg of soy (soy only!) isoflavones per day. I avoided beer, yams and other phyto-progestins. I upped my consumption of milk and other calcium-rich foods; if I craved sweets, I binged on them. In other words, I listened to my body.

Recent research has shown that the hot flashes and memory problems associated with menopause are the result of changes in the processing of carbohydrates that causes too little glucose to reach the brain. Likewise, I have read that the joint pains associated with Lupron are caused by the drug's undermining the liver's ability to produce glucosamine, another glucose-derivative. I noticed that when I would have symptoms and would, for example, eat sweets (no, fruit won't do), my mental symptoms would subside and my joints would almost immediately feel better. I realize most doctors would stone me for this advice, and I have gained 15 lbs - but I have /only/ gained 15, whereas I gained 40 before while attempting to eat right and exercise.

I have also found that MSM, especially when combined with chicken collagen, almost instantly helps my joints. The glucosamine/chondroitin formulations I tried tended to make me dizzy - again, probably something to do with the Lupron's effects on the liver.

For my immune system I have been taking Coenzyme Q10 and Juice Plus, a fruit and vegetable blend available online (www.juiceplus.com).

I won't say I haven't had side effects either while on the Lupron or since going off, but I have been functioning much better thus far than I did while on or immediately after going off the Lupron before. Can't hurt to try it. Good luck!

My Lupron experience has been mixed.

I had 3 Lupron injections--7 months worth of the drug--before my November 2003 myomectomy for a grapefruit-sized fibroid. I consulted 4 doctors (including a family member) before taking the Lupron plunge, and opted not to read too many scare stories online. I'm 32 and I want very much to have children, and everyone told me that my surgery would be most effective if we could use Lupron to cut the blood flow to the fibroid. The good news is that it seems Lupron (and a very good surgeon) did the trick--my surgery was without complications and declared a success. (Now we just have to get me pregnant!)

Now I'm just waiting for the effects of Lupron to go away. I had my last (3 month dose) shot in September 2003, and my most severe symptoms were in the weeks after that shot--especially severe and frequent hot flashes, night sweats, the works. For the entirety of the injection, my libido was utterly shot. For me, these were all annoying, but not unbearable. I figure it's just a taste of what's to come when the real menopause happens in another decade or so.

Post-Lupron recovery:
The hot flashes finally went away about 5.5 months after my last shot, and I've been gradually feeling more and more normal, though my libido is still not back to normal. Most worryingly, and this is why I'm writing today, is what happened to me this last week. Noone ever seems to write about the hormonal hell that your body goes through when it's trying to return to it's pre-menopausal state. I'm 90% sure that my symptoms are in fact attributable to these hormonal fluxes, and not to something worse (like abdominal adhesions from my surgery).

Three evenings ago, I got extremely dizzy and nearly passed out. It took me over 20 minutes to get back to my office, since I was so dizzy (loss of vision, balance, and nauseaI had to sit down three times in the couple dozen yards. I also had a pain in my abdomen. I barely made it the final steps to my office, where it took me at least 45 mintues to get to the point where I could make it to the car to go home. I had strong stomach pain, tingling hands, and gradually decreasing dizzyness. At this time I also noticed that my entire abdomen was very swollen. While the other symptoms have not returned, I have continued to have a very swollen abdomen, which has been very tender to the touch. I have been unable to walk at my usual vigorous pace, and have spent much of the last 3.5 days sitting quietly or lying down. The whole experience has been very frightening--and NOTHING like any PMS I have ever had before. But then again, I've never been menopausal for a year before!

So, I'm writing this post so that others might be aware that the hormonal changes the body goes through while getting OFF Lupron can be even more severe and frightening than the ones you experience going ON the drug.

I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in March 2002 and a few months later started taking Lupron. My doctor wanted me to take it for 6months, but after the 3rd month, I could no long take the side effects. Before starting Lupron, I had the endo pains, but was pretty much healthy. After starting the Lupron injections, the pain did not improve, only worsened. I had unbareable hotflashes all day and night long. I still have them from time to time and I am only 19. I also have migraines (which I never really had before Lupron). And to top it all off, my immune system is so bad that if I am around anyone that is sick, I will get sick also --no question. Of course, I'm not able to prove that any of this is from the Lupron itself. And I know that it has helped others. But I wish someone would of better informed me before I started the treatments. The doctor only told me that it would put me into a chemical form of menopause and would make me pain free. I just want anyone who is thinking about starting Lupron therapy to really consider all of the risks before doing so. If you really feel its something that you need, then far be me to try to tell you not to do so. But definitely research it as much as you can, as doctors are most likely to tell you only the good aspects (since they are only making money in the long run).

anxious feeling in my abdomen that precedes a hot flash. I have approximately 15 to 20 per day. I have had two injections to stop bleeding and to help bridge over t menopause. I'm 50.