Zoladex

[Lornalost89]

Hi all I know there will be 101 discussions out there so apologies I just needed to get my thoughts down.

I was due to get my first zoladex injection today however after many hours of crying I cancelled. I'm so so worried about side affects and probably over thinking it all but I just panicked. I cant weigh it up I'm terrified of the side affects but also terrified of the pain I know to expect with my periods and ovulation.

I think because I've had my forst few days pain free or very low pain it's made me think WHAT IF IM MAGICALLY BETTER 🙈

I KNOW I know, you probably thinking this lass has lost the plot.

Anyone on zoladex have this kind of panic before hand?

Anyone taking zoladex decide to stop because of side affects?

[Endolemon]

hi ,🌷

I would advise to take monthly (not 3 months) injections, so you can stop if you feel bad.

I had 3 Prostap injections twice. It helped with pain and stopped bleeding.

Side effects were: loss of short memory, high blood pressure, hot flashes, low mood, hair loss. Period became more painful when returned .

I was taking it while waited for hysterectomy.

Maybe you can try it for 1 month and decide if it helps you 💛

[Lornalost89 in reply to Endolemon]

Thank you . This is also while I wait for a hysterectomy but first I need an investigative lap to confirm what's fussed together so my consultant can decide which hospital can do it. Local or specialist.

Looks like either way it will be a long wait and I know xoladex is only temporary I just worry the side affects spiral into my family life. I hide alot of my pain atm from my children the best I can I would hate for the side affects / low mood etc to impact them 😭

[Endolemon in reply to Lornalost89]

Yes, but between pain and depression, I choose depression 🙈Mad situation.

I have been waiting 10 months (after signed Consent form) for joint operation (Gyne+Urologist+Colorectal). Had only MRI 1.5 year prior the operation.

Wish you not to wait long 🤗

[justmai]

I had no side effects and I was on Zoladex for 5 years my sister is now also on Zoladex with no side effects so don't get to panicked about side effect if you do suffer with any that you can't cope with then don't have another injection

[Loveneige]

I am scared too. I've put off Zoladex for a year now. Keep plodding on month by month until my operation. Trying ro get nearer my goal without having it but I think you reach a point of not coping with the endo pain and flooding. I'm also now worried how much worse my endo is getting and if I'm now risking my pelvis to become so stuck together that they won't be able to operate.

It's a balancing act I think but I totally understand thee fear.

[Rainbowher]

I hear you. I was so scared too. And put it off but out of sheer desperation I’ve been on the monthly injection of Prostap for 3 months now and the only side effects are hot flushes. It’s help me get my life back. And that has been amazing. Don’t know what is next but it has helped relieve symptoms. Took a while to work but has been beneficial. Hope you find the right solution for you. Take care.

[NicJM]

Hi Lorna, I am exactly the same, I’ve put it off for 3 months now.. finally decided to pull my big girl pants up & getting it on Tuesday.. hoping the side effects aren’t too horrendous & it helps with the pain. I’m waiting on hysterectomy too. 🙏

[Thomasct]

Good morning Lorna, I was in the same position I cancelled the first few times and actually waited 2 years until i thought right lets just try it. It was my GP that said I actually think this could really make you feel better. When I finally said yes to it and went to the appointment I was so scared but the nurse numbed the area with an injection and I felt nothing. This drug has been an absolute life saver in the fact that my quality of life is so much better.

The first 6 weeks i did have some bleeding but took norethisterone and after my second injection came off that totally. Ive now had 9 months worth of injections I have stiff knees but thats my only side effect, I am booked for a hysterectomy at the end of the month. X

[Sunset-lady]

I don't think anyone takes Zoladex without really thinking about it. I tried everything before going on it. Nothing could stop me bleeding. Zoladex has calmed it but I'm STILL bleeding in month 5 and I'm on very little addback HRT. The side effects are very very individual. Some women have ALL of them and some have none. Zoladex can be very effective for pain 🙂. Try it and see. It usually takes between 2 to 3 months to work properly. There is a good Facebook page too. I haven't put weight on and my mood is good. For many it's a game changer xxx

[Fuchsiafairy]

Hi, I think everyone puts it off and no one willingly signs up to instant menopause. However everyone in our shitty endo and adenyo club is at a serious low point in their health when these injections are offered. I mean they didn’t offer these to me at my first gynae appointments despite me telling them how bad things were. Only been offered them a year after my laparoscopy didn’t offer me any relief.

When i finally accepted that I should try the injections I had 9 months without periods due to Mirena and minipill . But I still had daily pain but not the extreme period pain.

I was so nervous but I am three months in, I’m not sure how much it is helping to be honest. But I think there is an adjustment period so I will keep going as it has not been as bad as I thought.

The first month I had a increase in fatigue, pain and I had some spotting. I nearly had a full on nervous breakdown as I was convinced I was going to have a period. I didn’t, I also think some of the first month symptoms were more because I was not taking the mini pill.

Also migraines so if you do get these make sure you have your medication in stock. I also have lots cold ice packs in the freezer which help the most with my migraine.

I also have dysautonomia, caused by COVID. So I already have huge problems with fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, fatigue and massive problems with excessive sweating. So for me the hot flushes aren’t that bad as I’m already used to it, only difference is hot flushes my whole head feel like it suddenly has gone bright red and super hot like ill with a fever then a little bit of sweating. Night sweats I already had so I make sure I have water next to me and a new top to put on and flip the pillow.

This third month, 2 weeks in and I’ve started reducing my pain meds to see how I get on. I still have a pulling sensation but I think I’m doing ok to be honest. My doctor gave me initial prescription for 4 months of injections and am going to ask to keep going with them. I have not had the add back HRT but I am going to ask for it as I continue to ensure bone health is maintained but is nice to know that it was manageable with out the HRT.

I know it is scary but all medication has huge list of scary potential side effects just that the menopause normally has a long adjustment period rather than the instant hit we get.

Try to relax and remember that life is so hellish now that you honestly don’t have much to lose. I would try your hardest to get to four months of injections before making any decisions about stopping, if considering stopping give the hrt a try first. This pretty much is the last options before hysterectomy (which could be a very long wait) so give it your best shot.

Good luck

Pam

[Aino26]

I'm due jab 4 this week. For me, the first couple of months were horrific. I had 3 heavy periods in 5 weeks. My head was all over the place too. I'm feeling a bit more settled, although it now seems to be affecting weak spots. I have a phantom sprained ankle and my left wrist is a bit iffy. My left wrist has had 2 surgeries but it's been fine for years and my left ankle is generally weak (stupid shoes, too many twists in my 20's)I have been tested for DVT and had an xray and its possible its hormones to blame according, to a doctor. I was prepared for hot sweats but not had any. I am on HRT which helps. I went on it by week 2 as my brain wasn't functioning, affecting work. I do agree, do the monthly as you don't have to continue with them and if you're not near natural menopause, it's reversible. I've been reassured that so I'm thinking of it as a trial run, the real thing should be easier x

[honeyhyacinth]

hello ! i'm also possibly about to start zoladex and hrt (tibolone ) and i am pretty worried too, you're not alone at all ! i believe i'll be taking it for a while until i can get a laparoscopy scheduled at the right time.

it's been really scary seeing all the side effects as well, and i understand too. i've been feeling like i shouldn't, it's awful having to weigh up pros and cons in regards to your health like this. however, some of the reviews on here have made me feel a bit more hopeful !

i do hope it goes well for you !