Lupron vs Ovary removal

Toyamjj

Been on 7.5 monthly dose of Lupron for about 2 1/2 years considering getting ovaries removed so that I can discontinue lupron. I can't seem to lose any weight and I work out hard and eat right. Im probably 30 pounds overweight mainly in stomach and back area. I think lupron is the culprut any advice Pros & Cons? Grateful to be cancer free so I don't want to make a decision thats gonna put myself in harms way but I also realize carrying around this weight is not healthy either. I haven't discussed it with my doctor yet so not sure if she would even say I could do that but curious what everyones thoughts are.

Thanks!

Misha13

Hi Toyamjj! Funny thing to come across your post as I was searching up this same answer! I just saw the surgeon last week, but now I’m getting cold feet to have another surgery, but yes, stopping the suppression shots and just removing ovaries is a thing! They actually wanted to do a full hysterectomy because I had an ablation a few years back!

He said from a ER+ perspective, it makes sense to remove them and I’ve already got the menopause symptoms from it and the Aromasin, so that probably won’t change. I didn’t ask about weight loss, but that bothers me too. The joint pain is my issue and he seemed to think that the Zoladex (suppression shot) contributes to that. I figure that’s one less chemical going into my body, so its got to be better.

Those are my two cents! Talk to your doc and see what they say.

kathabus

My treatment plan was to do Lupron and an AI with the intention on getting the ovaries removed at some point. My MO said that that's what typically happens. You get sick of coming in and just have the surgery.

I never did the lupron. Just didn't want to. I knew I was going to do the surgery at some point so I just dove in. I got a full hyster/ooph right after my radiation was done. (Like Misha, it was recommended that I have the full hysterectomy, too) It was scary because I didn't know which side of the fence I was going to land on.....but I did well with it. I had some hot flashes in the beginning, but they went away.

As we get older, as we take the pills....yeah, it's harder to lose weight. I do weight watchers, and when I stick to plan I do lose weight. (When I don't....I gain...so I need to stay focused) I exercise 30 minutes everyday and I will tell you....that part is great for helping with the stiffness from the AI, the mental benefits....but it does little to do with losing weight for myself. I need to be focusing on the food part for weight loss.

I don't have experience with comparing one to the other....but I'm sure others will come along that can provide that insight. Good luck with your decision!

Anonymous

I asked to have mine removed because the monthly zoladex was such a hindrance and really limited ability to plan travel or have any scheduling latitude whatsoever. MO was open to it and BRCA1+ positivity sealed the deal. I only had the ovaries and tubes out in order to have quick healing and limited chance for complications that could keep me off treatment, but I am happy with the outcome and thankful every month I don't have to have that shot again!

As for weight loss/gain - ovaries out is the same thing as zoladex so I wouldn't think it was a magic cure. I can lose weight if I am watching what I am eating, but that was true even before the menopause!