and my side effects are terrible still... hot flashes, can't sleep, depression, the worse problem & scariest is the muscle/joint pain that won't go away and has worsened since my second & last shot. I was active and never any joint pain before the shot... this has caused me to fall into a deeper depression. I wish I never took the injection and knew more before i did it. I have talked to my doctor many times concerning this and she is puzzled by this and unaware of other side effects except hot flashes. I feel lost and don't know who to turn too concerning these serious side effects. Please, give me hope that I will feel good again and what can I do to relieve this pain. I am only 46 and feel 106 since this shot and is ruining my life.
How long does it take for Lupron to get out of your system? I had my last 3month shot in Nov.2009?
Question posted by givehope on 19 April 2010
Last updated on 9 August 2022
26 Answers Page 2
I got the Lupron shot in feb due for the 2nd shot here in may and im having serious depression.I can't sleep at nights,hot and cold sweats.Short fuses. The depression is the worse
I got a 3-month Lupron injection one time (for endo), in October, 2016. Almost a year and a half later, the effects remain. I’ve lost half of my hair, my muscles and joints hurt badly and I can barely walk when I get out of bed and the insomnia is horrendous. I haven’t slept more than 3-4 hours a night since. The hair loss is especially awful because I had thick coarse hair before and now it is thin and whispy with bald spots all over. My hairstylist was horrified, as he used to have to thin out my hair every time I got a trim. I haven’t heat styled my hair in that entire year and a half, for fear more would fall out. I can’t do anything with it. I saw a dermatologist and she was convinced it would grow back but it hasn’t. I only say this is the worst part because my scalp always feels on fire now and I’ve just accepted the other pains as normal at this point. I feel like poison is running through my body.
Please run far away from this injection if it is ever recommended. I had terrible hot flashes and depression when I first got it, as well as suicidal thoughts. I communicated this to my surgeon and absolutely refused the other round he suggested after my stage IV endo laparoscopy. There was no way I was going to risk intensifying those side effects. The endo did return a year later so I had a second laparoscopy and one tube and ovary removed. I don’t think another round of lupron would have prevented it and I haven’t had kids yet so I couldn’t be in a pre-menopausal state longterm with that injection. I now have a chance to conceive with one ovary but I’m 37 now. I hope anyone researching reads about everyone's experiences here and takes charge of their health by refusing this awful injection. I haven’t been the same person since.
I was on the Lupron shot for 6 months (two 3 month shots) for a fibroid. I found I was fine while on the shot. A few hot flashes and a few bouts of night sweats I was mildly moody (according to my husband) but nothing I couldn’t handle. My doctor also prescribed an estrogen supplement to take if the side effects were bad but I didn’t end up taking it. It has been 4 months since my last injection and I don’t have pain, but I feel stiff. I find light exercise like a walk or I recently started Aquafit make me feel great mentally and physically. I should also say that coming off the lupron I have had noticed more frequent side effects then when I started for about a week. They have stopped for me now.
I’m a breast cancer survivor and my doctor put me on the shot to take the place of the pill since I cant take that ( I have endo too). I took all 6 shots and by the 6 th shot I had all those symptoms that you say you had but the worst is the 30 pound weight gain and I’m a personal trainer and never weighed more than 150. Now I’m 178, dieting like crazy and some days don’t eat and not lost 1 pound!! Night sweats are horrific as well as hot flashes. I’m going to an alternative medicine clinic next week. Screw this!!!
Your story sounds similar to mine. I can't articulate my frustration. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago, went through all my treatment. Had a complication because of lifting books at school and ripped my chest muscles open (this was 6 months out of the mastectomy). I was given Lupron injections for 9 months and then refused more. The sweating was so bad, I couldn't go out in public, it was too embarrassing. Now I'm stuck with extreme fatigue, insomnia, I'm up 30 pounds and have joint and muscle pain. I can't believe how much my life has changed and how miserable I am. Had I mown then what I low now, I would have never agreed to take it. I was on naturopathic supplements and did feel better, I think I'm with you. I'm going to back to them. Quick question for you, did you take Tamoxifen? I was just switched from that to Letrozole. Joint pain and muscle ache aren't quite as bad but I walk around like a zombie all day because of insomnia. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I am wonder the same thing. Being that this post was so long ago I was hoping maybe you could answer that question for me. I am 32, mother to 1 beautiful boy. I have multiple grand fibroids, endometriosis, and sever adenomyosis. I have been on Luperon (the 3 month shot) for the past 9 months. Before this I was very depressed and had horrific pain. When I got pregnant, I could barley move due to the pain, and after it was even worse. So I started Luperon and while my pain has been controlled after 3 months of treatment... the side effects were taking a toll on me. I'm 32 and had hotflashes, I couldn't even stand myself with my mood swings, crying, forgetful, weight gain.. this was more because my joints hurt and I could not be very active. I mean I'm 32 and am in pain going up the stairs... seriously?! Oh and of course... insomnia and so much hair loss. BUT the silver lining, no pain.
Insurance stop covering my shots and I just couldn't handle this anymore so I decided to go off luperon... now I'm 2 weeks past when my shot would've been, but I still have the side effects... except now the pain is coming back, just not as severe. ... anyone know when this will just all go away? When will I stop feeling like I'm 15 years older then I really am?
I took lupron prior to partial hysterectomy 20 years ago. I had many of the symptoms you describe, i felt like i was going crazy. No memory, aphasia, mood swings like a roller coaster. Took almost 3 years to feel like myself again. Be patient with yourself. Ask loved ones to do same. Know it will end soon. Each body adapts differently, bur it will end and you will be back in your own skin. If you need to take something..antidepressant..do it.I wish i had. I had this a long time ago. The drs had different attitudes about these effects of taking hormones. One dr just said "forgive yourself for being human. Slow down your life". At the time, it was helpful, but i still had all of those awful symptoms. Find a dr that will give you relief in AT LEAST SOME SYMPTOMS. One day at a time. Good luck. Its going to be ok.
I have had similar problems with Lupron to those posted here. The muscle upper leg thigh pain is so severe I can't do anything. Very difficult to walk. I have also never felt more holistically sick. Every day the same for the last three months. This stuff is poison. Don't take it.
I am wondering if your symptoms from the side effects of Lupron ever disappeared or decreased. I am 18 months from my last shot and have similar problems. Mostly due to Low-T, I think. Muscle pain comes and goes. I'm weak and fatigue easily. I've put fat on around my midsection, my libido is low, and my genitals have shrunk (although size has increased, they are not fully back to normal size). I am wondering if there is any holistic health care professional that has been successful with treating the side effects.
I don't think so. Few in the medical community even acknowledge the side effects of Lupron. I am three months past my second and last monthly shot. I have aged 100 years during this period. The radiation also put my arthritis on steroids. Change in the scan results over a six month period were dramatic. A hot bath is not a solution. At this point, not convinced there is one. Don't take this stuff under any circumstances.
I didn’t have a choice whether to take Lupron or not because I had prostate cancer and I needed a testosterone blocker I went through everything you mentioned. What helped me immensely was Exercise especially with the machines it is unbelievable how much better they should feel takes all those pains away.
I am amazed at how many men I know have taken Lupron. All have experienced the side effects noted by others Most often mentioned is the mental “fog” and the overwhelming tiredness (as the worst side effects).
I am also experiencing upper thigh pain in my right leg. Advil helps a little, but not much. The pain started a few days after my first of 2 monthly injections, so far. Will talk to my doctor about not getting a 3rd injection. Purpose was to prepare for and during proton radiation to my prostate..
What helps the most is exercise on weight machines at the gym. I focus on upper body to avoid putting pressure on my right thigh. If you can overcome the fatigue and get to the gym, you will be glad you did.
I have just read about your Lupron shot experiences. Like yourself, I' am having the exact same problems. Not as much depression as you are experiencing. However, I should have gotten more information from my doctor. As like your physician I was only told of the hot flashes. Basically not much more. I'm 69 yrs. old and have never been in such pain. I have had 2 heart surgeries and a suborachnoid hemorrhage in the past. My biggest problem is I cannot sleep. When I lie down the pain gets very intense. My doctor has given me pain medication which does not help. I also have had two injections. The last Oct.2014. The effects are still a very intense. I wish you well with your problems. Hopefully they will go away.
Givehope~ I am hoping this will reach you , I am now 21 I was on the shot at 20 for Endo, At 17 I was told I had Endo from two different doctors the 2nd doctor did to surgeries called a Laparoscopy, I had both Surgeries with in 6 months. After about 9 months I started seeing a new doctor. Who started me on the Lupron Depot 3.75mg Shot monthly . I started in Feb of 2012 I only ended up getting 4 shots I went for my 5th shot and the doctor refused to give it to me. Saying I was faking the whole thing. Which in turn upset me deeply. I have been suffering since I was 15 from the Endo the horrible pain. My last shot was in June 2012. I have since then returned with pains and still have some hot flashes but not as many and not as bad but on and off. I still can't sleep really good and some times not at all. I know how you feel about being lost and not knowing who to turn too. I also feel the same way.
I come to find out that the doctor I was seeing had not read any of the booklet that came with the shot. I have the serious bone pain ,legs arms etc. As I write this , I am having really bad pain in my left ovary and lower back pain. Me and My fiance trusted this doctor by his word and have been disappointed in his actions . My whole life was pretty much with in his hands and for my future of being able to have another child. I have now been off the shot since July and here it is Sept. 3 months later I have still yet to become pregnant but as I have read it take about 4 weeks before the shot is all the way out of your system, and 8 weeks to a year before you can become pregnant. I am not sure how true this can be but I have also read on some pages and different sites that some side effects can last a life time, now again I am not sure and I really hope not. I would like to know myself because I do not want to have to go though this for the rest of my life. I hope you are able to read this and I hope that it helps. ~ Giving hope from Chattanooga !
I feel your pain and yes the joint pain is a side effect of lupron i had to be on lupron for endometriosis and after my last dose it took a month before i started feeling normal again so it might be the same for you,it is really hard to deal with the depression and all the bad thoughts that run through your mind but i promise the side effects will go away and you will feel better it might take a month or so but there is hope so dont give up it will be better soon,hope this helps
My last shot was 5 months ago and the symptoms are worse than ever. How long were you on the shot? I had a 30-day shot and 1-3month shot a total of 4months and feel like the side effects may never end. Where was your joint pain? and did it totally disappear? What did you do to relieve the pain?
Thanks, for your response
I only had 1 Lupton shot Jan 14, 2018 and I'm still having hot flashes, hungry all the time, gained 15lbs, can't walk 100 ft without feeling that my legs are going to fall out from under me yet I work out with weight machines at the gym and pushing a good amount of weights with my legs. The legs are out of sink? I never had hand/joint pain before, my breast have swollen, my vision has changed. I finished 39 radiation treatments 90 days ago and am still burning under my bottom and going to the bathroom almost every hour at night. Counted 17 hot flashes a couple of weeks ago. Dr never told me about side effects, just said this Harmon shot made my radiation work better. I have Postate cancer. Dr wanted me to take more shots but I refused. Wish I had been told about the side effects of this terrible drug.
I know you are looking for a direct answer, but after reading your story, I just had to reply. What I CAN help you with is letting you know you came to the right place for support. Although I am not familiar with Lupron (I will look it up soon) I am very familiar with chronic pain and depression. As far as joint pain and depression, have you tried soaking in a warm bubble bath, with a cool wash cloth over your face, soothing music, candles? It may sound stupid but it does help some people. Also request to see a specialist. If your doctor is puzzled, she should refer you to someone who could help you. I know that chronic pain leads to depression. I am there too. The only reason I function (fairly normal) is because my surgeon has me on good pain control medication. Don't give up, get up and get that help you need. Be proactive in your healing, investigate, go to a specialist armed with info and your medical records.
Take pictures of the things and people you love. Frame them and surround yourself with all the good in your life. Take comfort in knowing you have a place to go where people truly care and support people just like us. Just when you think you have it so bad, a story comes along and makes you think, "Wow, I thought I had problems, that person really has it bad!" Hang in there. Someone that has similar conditions as you, will come across this question and have some answers that will help you. All I can offer is a word of encouragement. It's too late to look back and feel bad about getting that injection. Please look forward to getting the help you need. It will come. Cheer up! You have found a good place for that support you desperately need!
Wishing you a pain free day very soon!
Chris
I had a lupron shot in November because I had surgery for Endo in October and it is THE WORST EVER I am supposed to go back for a second Shot February 12th I can tell you that is not happening I will take my chances with Endo coming back and would rather another surgery then ever taking a shot of lupron again. I'm 42 years old and I feel like crap I can't sleep I have the worst night sweats and day sweats pain in my whole body It's a horrible feeling I get depressed and cry and I cannot wait for this to be out of my system .
I started lupron injections back in November 2017
I have gained 30lbs since then when I told my dr, she said " lupron does not make anyone gain weight, it's the lifestyle you lead"
Well, I have gone to the gym, but Im In so much joint pain it takes me 3 days to recover. I've given up on sweets, chips and sodas, only to find I'm still gaining.
I take the lupron because I suffer like many from menorrhagia
I'm due for my 4th injection on the 19th, but I really think I'm done.
The pain is unbearable, I now see a rheumatologist.. more pills
I cannot walk for long periods of time without my legs hurting me
I went from being active to being a depressed pained nonactive individual
Wish I knew about this site before I started with the injections
I took 4 - 3 month injections of Lupron, and my biggest hurdle was the hot (and I mean "hot") flashes. I would drip sweat until my shirts were quite damp. As a Christian man, I prayed for relief and the Holy Spirit finally told me to rebuke the spirit of lies as my body was sending the lie to my hippthalamus that somewhere I was cold, and to pump up the heat, which was a lie. So now when the hot flash starts, I command the hippothalamus to not believe the lie, and the flash goes away. Never overlook the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in your life. Praise God, He is healing me and so I'm passing this blessing news along - love God with your whole heart, mind, and spirit- accept Jesus as your Savior, and you can not only be healed, but heaven will be guaranteed for you.
Related topics
lupron, depression, osteoarthritis, pain, sleep disorders, hot flashes, side effect, sleep
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