Zoladex and Hot Flashes: What Users Say

• AMJ...
• August 12, 2016

For Endometriosis "I took this drug for three months (one injection per month) following a laparoscopy to remove scars and endometriosis. I read about the reviews (gaining weight, etc.) and was really nervous, but I just wanted to tell everyone taking this treatment to not worry about the side effects. The only side effect I had was a heavy period at first (nothing scary), and then I had hot flashes and some night sweats, but nothing unbearable. Get a small pajama (shorts and tank top) to avoid feeling so hot at night. Emotionally I was ok and lost weight!!! I actually gained 4 pounds after the treatment when my ovaries reactivated. During this treatment, I exercised a lot, ate well, and tried to stay relaxed. Please do not be scared of using this medication..."

• Ale...
• July 16, 2013

For Endometriosis "I am halfway through my Zoladex treatment, and it has been an absolute godsend for my pain. I'm not in any pain at all, which is exactly what I wanted. However, I am struggling with the side effects: hot flashes, headaches, weakness, night sweats, tiredness, and bone pain. I was struggling to get through the day before the treatment, and now I have these other problems to deal with. I am torn about how I feel about it. I would definitely recommend it though, as everyone has different levels of these symptoms; I might just be a bad case."

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2017

For Endometriosis "Well, I have had 2 Zoladex injections. As my gynecologist said – symptoms will appear only after 4 weeks. Well, guess what – mine appeared only after the fourth day! Yep! And I have had all the symptoms. These 8 weeks have been the worst in my life. I have had: hot flashes – so bad during every night that my pillow and blanket are soaking wet, sweating, headaches, dizziness, mood changes, vaginal discharge – meaning a little bit of pee coming into my undies (sometimes not so little bit) – when I do not feel like I have to pee! Breast size reduction, bone pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, insomnia, acne, itching, and depression mood swings that are just so bad. Plus, my stomach has been so bloated, so gassy, so not functioning normally. The worst time in my entire life!!! I would never in a million years ever agree to this again. Better to be with endometriosis - as guess what, this does not cure it!!! So – might be all for nothing."

• kik...
• March 1, 2010

For Breast Cancer, Palliative "I am 32 years old, and I have to take Zoladex for 3 years with the medicine Tamoxifen for 5 years. I have been on Zoladex for about a year now. Some of my side effects include severe mood swings, hot flashes, loss of menstrual cycle, weight gain (28 pounds so far), loss of energy, swelling of hands, and forgetfulness."

• Ash...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 3, 2013

For Endometriosis "I have stage 4 endometriosis and have had laparoscopic surgery to remove it from my pelvis/abdomen, but I also have it throughout my bowel, and it has penetrated all the way through. My doctor has put me on Zoladex for 9 months, and I am on month 4. It has helped to manage my pain so far, initially, it had taken virtually all of the pain away, but within the last month, it has slowly been resurfacing, but it is still better than when I don't take it at all. The hot flashes, flushing, slight weight gain, night sweats, trouble sleeping, muscle aches, moodiness, anxiety, vaginal dryness, and lack of sex drive are all bothersome, but it beats being in constant pain, and I know that the symptoms are temporary. I would definitely recommend Zoladex for endometriosis pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2013

For Endometriosis "I was on Zoladex for nearly 2 years, and I recently had to stop because my doctor chose to take me off. I absolutely loved it! No period for almost 2 years! I had hot flashes and have a scar on my stomach from the injections, but it was totally worth it. My periods have finally come back, and I wish I were still on this miracle medicine."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2021

For Bleeding Disorder "I have just had my third Zoladex injection, and my treatment plan is to have twelve with a review at six months. After struggling with very heavy periods for the last eight years, caused by huge fibroids, this medication was suggested to bring on early menopause. I’m 53, so I had been hoping for the last few years that things would ‘sort themselves out,’ but clearly, that wasn’t to be. The upsides are my periods stopped immediately, and the injections are simple and really nothing to worry about. This should also mean that I do not have to have any sort of surgery. The downsides for me have been the hot flashes, both day and night, and for the first couple of months, interrupted sleep, although this does seem to be getting better now. Also, headaches, usually in the first few days after the injection, and some nausea. I guess it’s a trade-off you have to make to work out which gives you the best quality of life. Remember, some people don’t get any side effects at all."

• Haz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2016

For Endometriosis "The horrible side effects (even with HRT) were not worth it. The hot flashes, joint pain, mood swings, depression, and long-term effects on my bones were NOT worth it. I really wish doctors would stop trying to give me this as it only does harm. Endometriosis can only be helped by excision by a skilled surgeon and will only last for up to a few years. Please stop getting doctors to postpone proper treatment with this."

• jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2015

For Endometriosis "I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and adenomyosis at 25. I am now 50. I have had 18 laparoscopic surgeries to burn off endo to keep it at bay. I have been put on Zoladex 3 times in the last 10 years, and I have to say that it has been absolutely fantastic every time. Stopped my periods and my pain, which was unbearable at times to the point where I ended up in the hospital having morphine injections numerous times. Yes, I did get hot sweats and a little weight gain, but I will take that any day over the kind of pain that endometriosis brings. The only downside is that you do have to come off it periodically, as you can't stay on it for long periods of time due to its effects on bone density."

• Ros...
• August 24, 2018

For Endometriosis "I had my first injection 3 months ago to treat endometriosis before a second laparoscopy. I read the terrible reviews, and as an otherwise fit 24-year-old, I was absolutely TERRIFIED about the weight gain, insomnia, headaches, sickness, hot flashes, etc. But I wanted to post a review because it hasn't been that bad! The needle is large, but I just make sure I look away, and it just feels like a small sting. For the first month, I had no side effects. In month 2, I had headaches and hot flashes, but nothing that paracetamol (acetaminophen) couldn't treat! In month 3, the headaches have gone, but the hot flashes are frequent. They're annoying, and they wake me up every night, but it hasn't stopped me from living my life normally (going to work/gym, going on holiday, nights out with friends, etc.). Although my endo is severe, I'm lucky that my symptoms are minimal, so I haven't noticed a change, but I've read Zoladex helps people who have a lot of pain. Waiting on one more injection before my laparoscopy next month."

• Jan...
• September 21, 2018

For Bleeding Disorder "I’m 40 and have no children. I was suffering abnormal bleeding due to fibroids, but no pain. I was losing so much blood, I had been rushed into the hospital on several occasions. The bleeding caused me to suffer severe anemia. I was really happy when Zoladex was suggested, as it meant I didn’t have to have a hysterectomy. Unfortunately, my experience was not good. I had my first injection, and about 2 weeks in, I was having cluster headaches, depression, my whole body ached, I was getting confused, the hot sweats were unbearable, I put nearly 2 stone on, and I was an emotional wreck. I still had the second injection and was taking HRT to help, but the Zoladex was taking over. The gynecologist had then told me not to have the 3rd. My last one was 7 weeks ago, but I’m feeling so much better already. I would never have Zoladex again. I’m booked in for a hysterectomy now and can’t wait for it all to be over so I can get back to being myself. I would never take Zoladex again."

• Eve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

For Endometriosis "I've had my third monthly injection and can honestly say this drug has been life-changing. I'm awaiting a total hysterectomy but have thyroid issues which are delaying the anesthetic. I've had years of heavy bleeding from undiagnosed endo, a huge fibroid in my uterus, and ovarian endometriomas. Both ureters were compressed, but within a couple of weeks of the first injection, I could pass urine freely again, all the bleeding stopped, and my tummy felt normal again! I've had headaches, hot flashes, and brain fog but no issues with mood or skin/hair/weight, etc. Very grateful to be symptom-free even if it's only temporary!"

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2022

For Endometriosis "To be honest, this drug has helped me in such a way that I don't get admitted to the hospital anymore whenever I'm on my period due to fibroids and endometriosis. My doctor recommended Zoladex for me after my surgery for three months. I'm done with the last one, and now I feel no pain and no bleeding, just that the side effect is sometimes unbearable. Severe hot flashes, sweating, acne, hair breakage, bone pain, dizziness. Fortunately for me, I had no mood swings. In all, I don't regret using the drug, the only unfortunate thing is that it is expensive."

• Ber...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2021

For Bleeding Disorder "I’m 38 and have a 13-year-old but was planning on having more kids. All was normal till I hit my 30s when my heavy bleeding started, then I notified my GP. I was prescribed iron tablets and tranexamic acid to control my bleeding. A year or so later, I was diagnosed with multiple fibroids leading to severely anemic cramping, my 5-day cycle now lasting 7 days or more, clotting. With the tranexamic acid not helping at all, I had to drop it. My partner and I have been trying to conceive for the last 6 years to no avail. I’ve had a couple of unsuccessful fibroid resection surgeries. My gynae has started me on Zoladex 3.6 to help shrink the fibroid in preparation for my myomectomy. Had my 4th injection 2 days ago, the hot flashes are a pain in the butt but feel good to be free of my cycle for now. My anxiety has calmed down. Hopefully I’m not on Zoladex for long as it’s not advisable with fibroids for more than 3 months. My gynae advises longer, but I'm skeptical about this. Just want this over with."

• Joy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 23, 2021

For Bleeding Disorder "Years of heavy bleeding. It got to the point of me collapsing in a pool of blood and being rushed into the hospital a few times on blood transfusions. Fibroids were the cause. I started on Zoladex in August 2020, only one positive is no bleeding. I can go on forever with the list of negatives. Depression, looking 9 months pregnant for the last 9 months even though I'm not. Hot sweats that are so bad at night that I sleep with a fan on full and cut off my long hair to cope. I have itchy, lumpy skin all over. Feeling tired, no infection, exhausted, due to my 10th Zoladex and still waiting for a full hysterectomy. Apparently the list is long, I'm on category 2, which is urgent. I can't see an end to this nightmare. I am hoping for surgery soon and to get my slim body back and live life again."

• das...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2021

For Endometriosis "Due to endometriosis and adenomyosis, I had undergone surgery before 2 months of starting my Zoladex 3.6 mg for 3 months. Most importantly, after taking the first injection of it, my bleeding continued for 15 days, and I was feeling just restless during this time as it was so heavy and unmanageable. My instructor advised me not to take 'Pause' to stop it, as its main activity is to wash all blood and extra tissues which were not possible to remove during surgery. Now I will take my 3rd injection, but since then I had no periods. Hot flashes are quite normal and manageable."

• Har...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2021

For Bleeding Disorder "I'm 2.5 months into Zoladex treatment. Was extremely nervous at first but have been pleasantly surprised. Side effects only started 4th week into treatment. Hot flashes are not as bad as I thought they'd be. Headaches are probably my worst symptom - nothing a Paracetamol can't help, though. No period has been life-changing. I have had a great improvement in my mental health, too."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2021

For Endometriosis "Did not help with endometriosis symptoms. Had terrible side effects like bone pain, joint pain, hot flashes, mood swings, hair loss. The side effects lasted for about a year after treatment with Zoladex ended."

• Abb...
• May 18, 2018

For Endometriosis "I had my laparoscopy at the beginning of November 2017 and was diagnosed with endometriosis after 7 years of issues. They fitted the Mirena coil as a treatment, but I was still spotting, having stabbing internal pains, so when I returned to the gyno, she suggested Zoladex. I HATE the drug. I've only had 2 injections and have a 3rd left, which my doctors are contacting my gyno to cancel. Maybe I'm hormone sensitive, or me being 22 plays a part, but I'm still spotting. I've never had a cycle, so that doesn't change much... Agonizing joints, overall body ache, leaving me unable to even do my office job! It's even in my spine. The worst part is I've been told they can't reverse the effects until the drug is out of my system (up to 4 months). Hot flashes happen often, but luckily I have fans to help :) I've been given the choice to be signed off for the months this lasts, but I have bills. I was happier with the endo pain as it was at least manageable most days."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2022

For Endometriosis "Have had the 3rd Zoladex implant, and the side effects are ramping up. Was born with uterine didelphys, so had issues for years - heavy bleeding, pain, endometriosis, and horrific PMDD (like PMS but so much worse). Unsuccessful endometrial ablation, so started Zoladex to see how I cope with no hormones. Wow. Mental health greatly improved. Side effects only start after 5 weeks, and now they’re pretty intense - hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and, grossly enough - leaking of urine! The last side effect has made me quite alarmed, but it can happen, my gynae says. Hopefully, have a hysterectomy soon where they’ll take the ovaries too. The benefits to my mental health far outweigh the annoyance of the side effects."

• FLB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2023

For Endometriosis "I’m on my second month of Zoladex, due to my third injection shortly, and it’s been an absolute godsend so far. I’ve spent since the age of 12 with severely heavy, painful periods. Endometriosis has plagued my life, as has the effect the menstrual cycle had on my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, making my hips subluxate and dislocate far more regularly during my period. The pain has been awful. Almost 3 months in and the relief while I wait for my hysterectomy is incredible. I’ve had some headaches and hot flashes, but honestly, I would rather deal with that than the blackouts I’ve had every month. I’m 40 now and couldn’t keep going with it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2023

For Endometriosis "Been on Zoladex for 6 months now. I am pain-free and feeling so glad and happy and feeling normal for some time and not having to be hospitalized. Hot flashes and weight gain have been my only side effects."

• Lys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2021

For Endometriosis "At first, reading all of the scary reviews and side effects, I was so scared to try Zoladex for my endometriosis symptoms. I was truly desperate, miserable, and out of options at the time. Zoladex saved me (temporarily, until I could get my excision surgery)! To start, I had terrible cramping and bleeding. After the first two injections (monthly injections), I was almost symptoms free from my large cysts and endo pain. It's not right for everyone, but it can work for some! Hot flashes and mood swings aside, I'll take that over the pain I was in daily."

• CBL...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2022

For Endometriosis "Diagnosed at 29, Zoladex for 6 months. Endo pain only subsided since you do not get periods while taking this drug. However, I experienced terrible inflammation and water weight gain, my clothes stopped fitting after the second injection. I work out and eat healthy, mind you. I am constantly fatigued and lack motivation. Brain fog is real on this drug. The hot flashes are so miserable, couple it with the insomnia and it has been a miserable 5 months. The cellulite and weight gain have been the hardest for me since I am into fitness. I feel like I’m in someone else’s body. I get headaches daily and usually suffer a migraine within 24 hours of a dosed injection. I’m on my last dose and I’m hoping after I can get back to my normal self. I dealt with sciatic pain with the endo, it’s not as bad but still around. I’m still trying to figure out if this treatment has been worth it. We shall see by April."

• Swi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2022

For Endometriosis "This is my second month for this injection, the first month was so bad. I had too many side effects. The night after my injection, I had hot flashes and painful bones, especially on my ankles. Day after day, it gets worse, I had dizziness every day, constant tiredness without reason, and super fatigue, muscle pain, super vaginal dryness, and couldn’t walk longer because my feet and legs hurt so bad. But there are also good side effects, like I’m totally no more bleeding/period or even spotting, so it means no pain."