Zoladex NO HRT

[Prahevajra]

I’m getting t my first Zoladex injection today. The doctor said I can’t take HRT with it because the whole point of Zoladex is that I have no hormones causing endo. I read here that many of you got HRT with Zoladex and I’m confused... I also wonder if Zoladex will be as hard on my mental health as hormonal pills have been for me. I felt depressed every time I tried taking hormones for endo and the depression was gone immediately after stopping them. Anyone had a similar experience?

[99anon]

I would be apprehensive to have it without hrt - I had zoladex for 3 months with hrt and ended up with a vitamin d deficiency so gods knows how bad it would of been without the hrt

[Rocket14]

I was given zoladex with hrt, by my consultant who is just brilliant. However, I tried it without hrt for 6 weeks first, and it wasn't great. Emotionally, hot sweats etc.

HRT helped but in the end due to rare side affect I had to come off both until my full hysterectomy is carried out.

Zoladex implant wasn't for me so good luck.

[Busy-Lizzie]

If you have deposits of endo that haven't been removed, then there's a theoretical risk of add back HRT worsening symptoms. It is better to have endo removed before having drugs such as Zoladex plus add back HRT.However, if you start Zoladex and find you are troubled with hot flushes, insomnia or anything else that add back HRT can help to manage, then it would be worth asking for some from your consultant on a trial and error basis if (s)he is happy to do that.

The dosage of oestradiol and progestin in add back HRT are lower than the hormone levels the body produces and given at constant doses rather than the fluctuating levels the body would produce, so you don't get the peaks and troughs.

It sounds as though your consultant is being cautious for fear of making symptoms worse.

If HRT is not an option, there are non hormonal approaches to managing menopausal symptoms.

[Hidden]

Hi I’m on my 7th month of Zoladex. The first two months I had it without HRT as the gynaecologist didn’t want the HRT to mask the effects of the Zoladex.

After the initial 2 weeks (when I had a flare) I found the Zoladex stopped the endo and adeno related pain - amazing! I did feel like my emotions were a bit all over the place at times (but not as bad as when on the progesterone pill) but for me the main side effect was joint pain. Since starting HRT, it’s helped with the joint pain/menopause side effects but I’ve also had a return of some of the endo discomfort again….it’s a tricky balance! Wishing you all the best x

[Busy-Lizzie]

...and yes, previously when I was on Zoladex without add back HRT I did find myself affected by doldrums ("Zoldrums?").With my GP's help I looked into DLPA (DL phenylalanine), a supplement that boosts the body's natural endorphins. It's worth having a look into and making a decision yourself.

[bertie1606]

Hey, I had add back HRT (tibolone) with my zoladex treatment. I was told by my gynaecologist that it's to help prevent osteoporosis, as Zoladex can decrease bone mineral density, which may increase your risk of developing osteoporosis. It also helped with the hot flushes and joint pains.

[curlyjo]

It was interesting to read your post and another reminder of the different views out there from doctors with varied expertise. As Zoladex causes onset of menopause, there are going to be nasty side effects which HRT will help alleviate. Yes, it is a balancing act, but the doctor is going for a one size all approach and throwing one drug at you, rather than considering a nuanced and balanced one. I was about to be put on these drugs and instead saw a dietician who specialises in endometriosis. I was put on an anti inflammatory diet and was out of pain in 6 months. The doctor was delighted and said that this was the future. That was 10 years ago and I'm not sure endometriosis sufferers are aware that you can actually change your oestrogen feeding endo pain yourself, through diet. I'm not saying thus is the answer for everyone, but it worked for me. All the best as you navigate this journey.

[Ccn2018]

I started on Zoladex yesterday and was prescribed daily HRT. I am taking both as I am having a hysterectomy but keeping my ovaries. I am 34 so it might be different for me. They do not want me to go through the menopause as it can have a longer term impact on my lifespan etc x

[JonesGe]

I was on zoladex for over a year and i had horrible side affects my mood got really low and i ended up having to take anti depression medication. The pain stopped completely for the first 3 months which i thought was a miracle! But all the symptoms started to return on top of hot flushes, sweating, brain fog, joint pain and tired all the time. I was not offered hrt as the point of zoladex is to stop all hormones and stop the progression on endo. After all that i have been though it was not worth it personally. But try and see how you manage on it. Not having a period was brilliant that part was positive. Wish you luck xx

[R_elep]

I had zoladex for 3 months without HRT before having my laparoscopy last year, if that’s any reassurance! Side effects of hot sweats, my mood was up and down initially, but on the whole wasn’t too bad! And pain from endo reduced a lot during those 3 months.

[Bebe294]

I was on 9 month injections and hrt only started after the 7th one.

I had both endo and adeno and got a surgery around 3rd injection time and removed everything. My doc didnt want me to start add back early in process. I am planning a frozen transfer embryo so he didnt want me to get adeno endo back by any chance.

While I was on injections all endo related pain stopped but I started to have side effects like blur vision crazy headaches hot flashes and nausea sometimes. Also my emotions super crazy and I got anxiety I was also going through some life events so it can be much intense bcuz of those too.

Most of the symptoms specially the strong headaches and depression went away after started add back pills. But I started to have some ovary pain and lots of watery discharge being on estrogen add back so I wasnt happy much with these pills plus I gained a lot if weight and raised my blood pressure . I needed to continue pills even after injectiones finished in order to prevent ovulation and enfo coming back but I stopped recently due to above mentioned high blood pressure and weight gain.

Btw I was getting calcium and vit D and some glucosamine all that time to prevent bone loss.

Overal the side effects Compare to Lupron shots I was on 5 yrs ago this Triptorelin injections called Dipherelibe were a breeze.

[SJPalm]

hi , I’ve just joined the forum today to search for this specific question.

I have my first appointment of 5 next Tuesday for zodelex (for endo) with the expectation of hysterectomy next year , I can’t take HRT because I have hormone related liver tumours that would be effected by HRT.

I’ve read all the replies and get a feel that it’s a mixed bag in respect of how people react on it , I was wondering if anyone knew of a natural alternative for HRT and I’ve also read zoledex can effect your bones and to take calcium and vitamin D supplements, my gynaecologist hasn’t mentioned this to me and it’s very difficult to get hold of them to ask questions, can anyone tel me if they have used other supplements during the process please? Many thanks x