Repeated Zoladex doses at interval of 3 years

[Noorri]

Hi

I just heard that you can take zoladex only once in your life. I have taken zoladex in Sept 2008, 5 shots and this year I am having zoladex again. am on my second shot.

Has anyone ever taken zoladex at different intervals. Please help am very scared!!!!

thanks

[JulesUK]

Dont worry!! I too have taken Zoladex twice. The first time for six months and the second time I took it for just over 2 years. The second time the consultant said she had no problems with me taking it for this period of time as long as it was working (which it was) and providing I took HRT the whole time.

[Noorri in reply to JulesUK]

Thanks Jules I was really scared now i feel relief.

I am new on the blog and I often see many taking HRT. What does it stand for. My doctor did not prescribed any thing else apart from Zoladex

Thanks once again for your response. You cannot imagine how stressed I was

[Chrissie66]

Hi Noorri

I take six months of Zoladex injections, have six months off, then go back on them again. I've been doing this for the past five years or so.

Because of the horrible side effects, and also because of the danger of bone thinning if the drug is taken over long periods, you can be given HRT, which is Hormone Replacement Therapy. But again, it's not a hard and fast rule; I found that the HRT made me feel even worse so I just have the Zoladex.

As Jules said, don't worry

[Noorri in reply to Chrissie66]

Thanks a lot Chrissie. Am re-assured. I was really scared

Hope that now your endo has decreased. Take care

[JulesUK]

As Chrissie said its Hormone Replacement Therapy (which are tablets which aim to replace some of the hormones you are losing because of going through the menopause thus helping to stabalise/counteract the symptoms you experience) A lot of women take it when going through the menopause 'for real'.

My consultant was very clear that I should take it the second time as I was on zoladex for a long time but different consultants/doctors give varying advice. Maybe its worth mentioning next time you go for your next injection and at least you can decide if its for you.

Im glad we've helped to put your mind at ease.

[Noorri in reply to JulesUK]

Thanks Jules

I will mention the HRT with the doctor next time. In fact, its the nurse who does the injection. my next injection is scheduled for 10 August and I will be seeing the doctor by the end of August.

Thanks again Jules. The blog is indeed of great help and peace of mind

[Noorri in reply to JulesUK]

Hi Jules

I got my menses after my first shot. I did my second shot in July and the third is next week. I am really scared to have my menses again. Do you know if having menses while taking zoladex means that the treatment is not working? or it can happen to have menses also? The other thing is that I do get the side effects like hot flushes, mood swing etc...

[JulesUK]

Sorry for the delay. I'd be surprised if you have a period after three monthly injections. I only had one period so I would be inclined to speak to your doctor as the injections should be shutting down your ovaries so Im not sure how you could still be having periods if the injections were working as they should. It does seem like they are working though if you are getting the side effects as you mentioned. Just to add the first time I had zoladex I didnt take HRT but after some research I decided to take sage tablets (from health store). I took them as soon as I started the injections and although I cannot say with certainty I think it was these that stopped my hot flushes. The second time I had HRT so I would say look into that to see if it feels right for you.