Zoladex experience

[x_b_x]

Just wanted to hear other people's experiences on Zoladex if possible because I don't know if my symptoms are all in my head or I'm just being made to feel that way by the consultant. Who's only advice every time I go for a review every couple of months day just keep going with it a little bit longer and then we can discuss surgery. Just feel like I'm being gaslit all of the time.

I started Zoladex (with HRT patches and tablets) 6 months ago for possible endometriosis. My MRI scan "showed no deep disease, but did show some tethering of the rectum to the posterior uterus which may suggest superficial endometriosis". Whatever that means, I wasn't actually explained to what it meant or if I was I really didn't understand because I can't remember. I'm also mainly on the injections for PMDD, however since being on Zoladex I feel as though I have become more miserable, anxious, angry and full of rage. I am currently also awaiting to have an ADHD assessment

I was on Decapeptyl before the zoladex but he switched them because I was having headaches. I did around 3 months on Decapeptyl without HRT and 6 months with HRT. Even though I had the headaches I actually started to feel ok on the Decapeptyl, pelvic pain had reduced a lot and my mood improved.

Since been on Zoladex it's been a downward spiral, I feel as though I haven't gone one week without feeling alright. Here is what I have felt.

- my mood has changed drastically, to the point where I am struggling to even hold my son, I am so miserable and angry.

- waking up in the night with headaches

- hot sweats and my sweat has become awful in smell, I constantly have a stink on.

- pelvic pain hasn't improved, feels about the same.

- high cholesterol, I have been referred to a lipid specialist because it was 7.8!

- shortness of breath, chest pain.

I just don't feel right at all. But when I mentioned it to the consultant he pretty much said that zoladex doesn't really cause some of those side effects and what did I expect, I've been put into a medicated menopause and that I need to give it time to work. But how much time do I give it, I'm literally not myself, constantly ill and so down in myself that some days I just don't want to do this anymore, yet all I get is give it more time or just come off of it but then we are back to where we started again.

I feel so confused. Like I have no other choice but to stay on them in the hope that one day it might help because there won't be anything else they can do. He just keeps saying stick with it and then we can discuss surgery in our next review, that was 4 reviews ago! I feel like I'm going crazy, maybe it is all in my head and I'm wasting everyone's time. I really do not know anymore.

I'm really sorry for the rant and such a long post, just needed somewhere to vent with others that may understand. Thanks for reading.

[HealthySpiritMind]

big hugs, its not in your head and personally I think the doctors can be a bit funny and NOT care! I stopped using the oestrogen gel and I am on promensil and a load of vitamins and trying to exercise (exercise helps working on consistency) - I stoped the oestrogen gel because before I used it I was fine - I had no side effects etc. The day I started, was the start of just horror - I got really puffy and really sweaty . I really feel in a way that the doctors dont care. I understand what you mean about the sweat thing and I never wear makeup anymore... I carry a hand fan with me everywhere and I also have to carry small towels to dry the sweat. I started to record myself having hot flashes because I was wondering if I was gaslighting myself! Mind you, my doctor doesn't even care to CHECK UP ON ME! I wake up with soaked sheets and it's just all tasking... big hugs - we will get through this. I am currently looking at speaking with a naturopathic doctor because I need to get to the root causes and HEAL my body while on this thing

[Sunset-lady]

Morning, zoladex can cause all of those symptoms and your doctor should know that. It's well documented regarding cholesterol (I know as mine is high). Are you on addback HRT? These symptoms are all menopause symptoms without HRT. Many of us really suffer when our estrogen drops. I felt ill from 42 to 47 years of age! Zoladex puts you in menopause and you could have any of the well known 30 odd symptoms - it's like a pick n mix. Some women get tinnitus others get night sweats and doctors need to know these symptoms much more fully. You need proper HRT not Tibolone if you are on that already as that's so low many women don't see a difference. How many injections have you had? How old are you (in my experience younger women who are pumping out estrogen suffer more than those nearing menopause) and are you on the waiting list for a hysterectomy?

[x_b_x in reply to Sunset-lady]

At the moment I'm on the Zoladex every 28 days, I've had 6 injections now. I'm also on Estradot patches which have been upped in dose, I can't have the gel because I have a toddler so I can't risk him touching me whilst waiting for the gel to dry so they won't give me that and then I take utrogestan in the evening.

He did mention testosterone but then said because my sex drive hasn't lowered I can't have it.

I am 33 and he keeps mentioning surgery but I have no idea what is actually going on because all I seem to get is "keep going with this treatment and we will discuss surgery in the next appointment"

I have had to email the consultants secretary this morning actually because I've come on my period! I have been feeling crap the last few days and my mood has been horrendous, all of a sudden my period, which I haven't had for months and what these zoladex injections are supposed to be stopping.

[Sunset-lady]

I'm still bleeding on them too. It's the HRT. Mentally we need the HRT but physically my body reacts to it. I hope you get sorted. I put gel on last thing at night. I'd love the coil but they can't fit it in my and hysterectomy is a no go now. This is the only treatment left x rubbish x

[Bubble-z]

IT’S NOT IN YOUR HEAD!!! You’ve been unlucky to have such an awful doctor! You are in pain and have lots of other issues so it’s not in your head, don’t blame yourself, be kind to yourself. Go private if you can because the majority of NHS Drs are very useless!