What should I expect?
At first, your hormone level will go up for 1 or 2 weeks. During that time, you may notice more symptoms. You may have a very heavy period within the first 2 weeks.
Then your hormone level will drop. This is the same as in menopause. Your periods may become lighter or heavier. After a few months, your periods may stop.
Side effects are:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Headaches
- Changes in mood
- Depression
- Weight gain or loss
- Stomach upset
- Bone density loss
- Lower sex drive
What is it and how does it work?
Lupron Depot is given to lower estrogen made by your ovaries. It treats endometriosis and uterine fibroids. It is injected into the muscle (a shot). It is slowly released over 1 or 3 months. It stops ovulation and monthly periods.
Lupron Depot can treat:
- Endometriosis
- Treatment lasts for 6 months.
- Uterine fibroids
- Treatment lasts up to 3 months.
- Pelvic pain
Your provider will tell you how long you will keep getting these shots.
How is Lupron Depot used?
It is given by injection (shots). The shots are given in the hip.
You will get the shot:
One time each month (no sooner than 31 days) or on time every 3 months (no sooner than 91 days).
This depends on the dose.
How well does it work?
- Studies show people with endometriosis who have menstrual pain/cramping found relief about 96% of the time.
- People with pelvic pain found relief about 53% of the time.
- Fibroids can shrink 30% to 50% within 2 to 3 months of treatment. They may go back to their original size within a couple years of stopping Lupron Depot unless menopause happens by then.
How much does it cost?
It is a very expensive medicine. Check with your insurance company about coverage. It may need a prior authorization.
Pros
- After a few months, your periods should stop.
- It can be used with iron. This helps anemia due to heavy periods because of fibroids.
- It helps endometriosis symptoms.
- It may shrink fibroids 30% to 50% after full therapy is reached.
- It helps to stop irregular menstrual bleeding.
Cons
- Cost
- You may have hot flashes and vaginal dryness while using it.
- You may have less estrogen. This may cause thinning of the bones. This may not be completely reversible for some people.
- Get at least 1200 mg of calcium in your diet or vitamins. This to keeps bones from thinning.
- You may be given “add back” hormones, such as 5 mg norethindrone. This helps lower bone loss and hot flashes without changing the effect on fibroids or endometriosis.
Who should not take it?
Tell your health care provider if you have ever had, or currently have:
- An allergy to benzyl alcohol
- Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
If you have any questions or concerns call:
- Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic at 319-356-2294 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- For urgent questions or concerns
- Call toll-free at 800-777-8442, 24 hours a day
- Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
- You may be asked some questions when using the toll-free number.
Send a MyChart message for non-urgent questions or concerns.