Hi there,i am struggling with the side effects of the zoladex implant,ive been on this for around 9 months now,the side effects seem to be getting worse,i have the option of ovary removal but unsure what to do,anyone in a similar situation or any advice,thankyou.
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Hi @missedna
Ovary removal brings on full menopause virtually immediately. 2 weeks after my op i was a complete mess. Full on anxiety, dark thoughts, lack of energy, were the main. Then dryness became worse and vaginal health went through the floor. Already had hot flushes from chemo. Was a nightmare for me. Had to find my way through options of treatments. Many were offered as in tablets from GPs and menopause clinic. I have tried holistic approach too. Its been 3 years and sèem to have everything in control now.
I was never on zoladex or any other meds to supress hormones so dont know how bad it is. There maybe other things that can help you before deciding to go for permanent ovary removal…
My things are:
Accupuncture
Jou cooling herbs
Testosterone gel
Ospemifene tablets
Estriol cream
Ladycare magnet -got rid of my anxiety and dark mind
Meditation
Exercise
Hope this is of help xxxx
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Hi @missedna
I’ve been on Zoladex 6 months. I’ve got regular hot flushes, normally in the evening a few times before bed. I’m on Exemestane, and the flushes are a few hours after taking it….so there may be a link to that as well. A few aches and other niggles, but none too serious (yet).
I’m interested, if you don’t mind sharing, what you feel is getting worse. I got the impression things get better once the initial period has passed but wonder what’s still to come.
I’ve pondered on Ovary removal myself, I have PCOS so my ovaries have been a life long challenge, and frankly wouldn’t object to having them gone.
Medically forced or natural menopause is going to cause unpleasant effects. I won’t go through a natural menopause and will never know, but I gather the symptoms are the same. Some have a worse time than others. A lot of women also have the benefit of HRT to “ease” the change but of course that’s not an option with ER+ breast cancer.
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Hi, I’ve been having Zoladex now for about 18 months and am on the waiting list for ovary removal later this year due to BRCA2.
I find I get quite bloated before an injection is due and I have hot flushes although they are not unbearable. I went into menopause during chemo so have been feeling the effects for coming up to 2 years now - I’m 39.
I felt that as my ovaries are already suppressed and I didn’t want the extra risk, im going ahead with surgery. There are other options though, have they spoken to you about removing fallopian tubes instead of the ovaries which is supposed to help ease the effects of crash menopause I think x x
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I’ve spoke to a friend who is a gyno
Her advice to me is if Zoladex becomes bearable then think about removal
If not, side effects are not only still there but irreversible !
So I’m staying on Zoladex for longer
Will move to 3 monthly if I tolerate it
And then will see xxx