From Tracee Cornforth,
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Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate for depot suspension) is a GnRH agonist -- a hormone that works in two distinct phases. Phase one stimulates the ovaries causing them to produce more of the most potent of the three estrogens produced by women -- estradiol. In phase two the messenger hormones that tell the ovaries to produce estrogen decline dramatically. This causes a significant reduction in estrogen levels, and causes women to experience menopause-like side effects.

The most common use for Lupron in women is for the treatment of endometriosis. Lupron is also sometimes used in women for the treatment of uterine fibroid tumors. In men, Lupron is used to treat advanced prostate cancer, and the drug is used in children who are diagnosed with central precocious puberty (early puberty). Deciding whether to use Lupron should include knowing all the facts about the benefits and side effects and making an informed choice.

Side Effects and Lupron Depot

Side effects that have been associated with the use of Lupron Depot include hot flashes and/or night sweats in more than five percent of women; and palpitations, syncope, and tachycardia in less than five percent of the women who participated in clinical trials. Other side effects include generalized pain, headaches, vaginitis, nausea/vomiting, fluid retention, weight gain, acne, hirsutism, joint pain, decreased libido, depression, dizziness, nervousness, and breast changes that include tenderness and pain, among others. There have been no deaths directly related to therapy with Lupron Depot.

Lupron is an effective and medically accepted treatment for endometriosis. Despite the fact that many women do experience side effects during treatment with Lupron Depot, women often consider these side effects to be a necessary price to pay for the relief of the severe pain and suffering of endometriosis.

What happens during treatment with Lupron?

A full course of treatment for endometriosis with Lupron is six months long. Although Lupron is not a cure for endometriosis, the pain relief it provides can last for several years. During clinical trials, 63 percent of women diagnosed with mild endometriosis said they were symptom-free five years after the end of treatment. Only 26 percent of women diagnosed with severe endometriosis still reported that they were symptom-free after five years.

For the first week or two after the first injection of Lupron, reproductive hormones increase causing an increase in symptoms. However, after the first few weeks these hormones decrease to levels seen in menopausal women. Menstruation may become less regular and can be heavier or lighter. Some women experience complete cessation of menstrual periods during Lupron therapy.

It is important to remember that Lupron is not a contraceptive and it is possible for pregnancy to occur during therapy. Even if you are not having periods, ovulation could occur. Non-hormonal birth control must be used to prevent pregnancy during treatment. Suitable forms of contraceptives include condoms, diaphragms with contraceptive jelly, and IUDs (only non-hormonal IUDs). Contact your clinician immediately if you suspect that you may be pregnant while using Lupron.

Is Lupron right for you?

Does Lupron sound too good to be true? It may be according to visitors to the Women's Health Forums. Find out what other women have to say about their decisions whether or not to use Lupron, and their experiences using this drug. Do you have questions about Lupron?