Zoladex - decrease in bone density/severe joint pain

[Spangalow07]

Hello,

I am well over a year on monthly Zoladex injections, and the past few months I have been experiencing some severe joint pain in both hands and right hip/pelvis. I had recently moved house so put it down to the lifting etc but it has seem to have persisted and got far worse.

There are times now when I cannot sleep as my hip/pelvis is so sore, and I can hardly use my hands and seem to have no grip. I work in an office based job, so typing is becoming tricky.

Rung GP and have an appointment Wednesday, but wondered if anyone else has had this at all? I was offered HRT to take a few months ago, which did not agree with me (waiting on medication review and chasing up at Gynae), so I have had no additional hormones to support bone density which is a concern.

Be great to feel like I am not the only one dealing with this!!

Thanks as always

[Awwy]

Hi

Sorry to hear that you are experiencing joint pain. Unfortunately its one of the side affects I also have.

Its like pick what type of pain you prefer sometimes. 🤔

Have you had your vitamin D levels checked?

At 12 months they should be booking you in for a DEXA scan. This checks your bone density. If there are any issues this will pick it up.

I also added in Oesteocare myself. You can get it in liquid or tablet form.

Let us know how you get in. Take care.

[Spangalow07 in reply to Awwy]

Hi,

I have not had my Vit D levels checked so i will check this with GP and arrange. I will be asking for a bone scan, and in the mean time trying to take things easy. It is horrible at 33 to feel like i am ceasing up and unable to do normal things - my grip is really bad today as my hands are so sore. So silly and frustrating!

[Awwy in reply to Spangalow07]

I understand the struggle. So hard at our age and feel like you can't do much. Hang in there ❤

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

Zoladex is only licensed for six months for Endo, they should’ve explained this at the time. It’s a requirement when a medication is off licence. You’re supposed to sign that you’re aware of potential side effects. Unless the license has been extended, it hadn’t last time I checked. You need to request a bone scan from your GP. Don’t let them fob you off when you see them tomorrow, they’ll try I’m sure.

HRT is recommended to prevent bone damage. Good supplements can be important, I use chelated calcium and a spray magnesium as well as a good multi vit/min.

Let us know how you get on

[Spangalow07 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Hi, a lot of us fellow endometriosis patients are on Zoladex for much longer than six months as long as this is reviewed, I see on here some women have been on it for a couple of years. My GP already mentioned on the phone putting me foward for an MRI, Bone Scan and full blood works, so fingers crossed.

In the mean time i think i will up my calcium intake and try to rest a little. It has been non stop and I wonder if i have over done it a little too!

[Moon_maiden in reply to Spangalow07]

That’s great GP is helping. 🤞 scan is all ok 🙂

I’ve seen the same, Zoladex did nothing for me and pain.

It’s very easy to do too much with all this, rest is a good idea.

[SimplyDeeDee in reply to Moon_maiden]

Another nugget of information they failed to mention. Please see my post from today I'd like you thoughts on it and I'll be requesting a bone density scan straight away