Bad side effects from Lupron. Concerned about my future QOL

fc- I’ve done Lupron plus Tamoxifen, and now zoladex plus Tamoxifen. Also a 3 month break where I was only on Tamoxifen. My experience is that the z + t seems gentler. I told my MO that I feel like they balance each other out. I think some of the worst SE from T is from TOO much estrogen, because it causes it to build up. (This is fact, your body still produces it, but your cells can’t use it, so your levels get really high) I think if you’re already having hot flashes and low libido, I wouldn’t expect it to get any worse on T.

That being said- hot flashes ( and chills if you get those- I do) and lost sex life are very real, and suck. For me, I’ve learned to adapt to the hot/ cold flashes. You do eventually get used to this sh!t, but I’m over a year and a half in. I’ve managed to maintain our sex life, but I was very proactive about it. I took a use it or lose it approach, but if sex is already painful, you may have to get back to a good place first. At the recommendation of several on this site, I started using coconut oil down there every day as a moisturizer, again from the beginning, before there were problems. It hasn’t been all sunshine and roses, there were a few times when things didn’t work, but overall our sex life is good, just takes a little longer to get things going.

I guess I’m trying to give you hope that all’s not lost. You Can do this. But if you decide not to, that’s your call to make. Many side effects come and go and change. The hot flashes stay. I still get them every hour and a half or so. All day. I just notice them less now.

Good luck 🍀!

so sorry to hear about all these nasty side effects. I'm very fortunate - have been taking tamoxifen and Lupron for six months and no real side effects except the occasional hot flash and some mild joint pain. I do also take Effexor (an SSRI) that is supposed to help with hot flashes. Worth checking with your Onc & psychiatrist to see if it's a good option.