Zolodex decision

[Lornalost89]

Hi. Newbie here. Long story short, I've had a history of menstrual/ pelvic issues for almost 20 years now, currently only now going through the process of diagnosis as I've always felt it was "my normal" until it got worse and worse, . I have a history of dermoid cysts (currently have another) "sticky insides" words used by a surgeon after sterilisation. My consultant has requested a pelvic MRI and given me 3 months to think about Zolodex. Alot of information is linked to cancer patients so I found this site to reach out for anyone to openly discuss their pros/cons of zolodex for endo treatment. I believe all my issues are linked to ovulation/menstruation alot of my issues are limited to these times and not sporadic as some suffer, I cant take any form of contreception (hence the sterilisation) and my surgeon doesn't agree with surgery that may require another surgery .... any information would be extreamly helpful feeling at a complete loss

[Loveneige]

I cant help you with a decision but I'm in the same dilemma as you. Been advised to have this treatment too until surgery comes up for hysterectomy, endo, and bowel.I dread the thought of menopausal state but also can't go on like this.

[Lornalost89 in reply to Loveneige]

I think there's a lot of scary information out there. I dont feel too fussed about the normal "hot flush" type symptoms but it's all the other things. I cant afford to put on weight, I don't want to risk heart health etc but what else can we do if we are at this point removal or temporary menopause seems to be the only next step 😔

[Keke123 in reply to Loveneige]

Just try it! You can always stop if you aren’t happy but it’s the best thing that happened to me

[Tinkerbell29]

Hi,

Hope you’re well. I’ve started zoladex as part of my ivf down regulation. I have stage 4 endo and have had two laproscopic surgeries, last one was in June 2023 to remove two very large cysts. Like you when zoladex was suggested I felt really overwhelmed by the literature. However, I am a month in and I feel fine. Literally no side effects at all-apart from I feel a bit hot at exactly 1:40am every day. I had the once a month injection and have two more to go but it’s been sooooo much better and easier than I could ever hope for. Next one is tomorrow. From reading the literature I have gotten off extremely lightly so I am really grateful. It did seem the injection which lasts 3 months had more severe side effects. I hope that helps and more than happy to answer any questions if you want to reach out!

Take care!! Xx

[Keke123]

Zoladex saved me. Worked after the 2nd injection but I’ve been on it for 6 years now. It’s the only thing that worked. I’m lucky that the menopause side affects are outweighed by getting my life back! I have a hot flush here and there. Bit of foggy brain but before I was foggy brain due to pain and just hormones flying everywhere and just horrific to be around.

Give it a go! It’s reversible so it’s worth trying.

[Felinewhisperer]

Hi, I have been taking prostap for 3 months now (a similar drug to zoladex) and I'm finding it far more helpful than the surgery I had back in March which caused more problems and the IUD which I now have to have removed because its dropped out of place. From my limited experience I would recommend it. If you are on it long term its recommended to have some type of put back hrt and supplements of calcium and vit d. I suffered quite severe menopausal symptoms to begin with but it does fade off after about a week after my injections with the odd hot flush. I'm also taking oil of evening primrose. If you have already been sterilised or had the menopause you may not experience these side effects at all. Unfortunately I have been repeatedly refused to have a hysterectomy so prostap or zoladex was my only option. But so far I'm pleased with how it's helped me.

[Lornalost89]

Thanks everyone that's been helpful and just nice to read positive results! It is a temporary thing my consultant believes if it shows improvements then they believe a hysterectomy is the only way forward, currently awaiting an MRI for a better look at what else is going on and I have until January to make my decision unless my cysts cause trouble between now and then(6 weekly checks) 🫠 I don't want to continue relying on pain medication that in all honesty doesn't do alot unfortunately for all of us and everyone expirencing these things there's no quick fix x

[PinkChi]

I've been having Zolodex for endo for two years. I have the 3 month implant and it has made a huge difference to my quality of life. I'm on addback HRT to reduce headaches, hot flushes, moodiness and other menopausal delights! I don't regret it at all.

[Tulip1983 in reply to PinkChi]

Do you mind of I ask what stage of endo you have? Do you intend to be on Zolodex long-term or will you consider surgery at a later date?