No Date: Upcoming hysterectomy: Large fibroids /uterus, debating Lupron or No

My doctor has recommended Lupron 3-month shot to attempt to shrink my large fibroids and uterus. It’s about a 20-week pregnancy now, so up to my belly button. I’m really nervous about the side effects and would be devastated if I went through that and it didn’t even work.

She has assured me that we can still do minimally-invasive surgery even if I don’t want to go with the Lupron, but that it will take longer and there will be a higher risk of blood loss. It’s totally my decision I don’t feel she’s pressuring me to do it one way or another.

I have read a lot of reviews of Lupron on these forums, but they all seem to be a few years old — is there anyone out there who has more recent experience? Has anything changed? Anyone dealing with long-term side effects after stopping the medication?

Alternatively, anyone do a TLH or LAVH with a large uterus, and had a good experience? I want to decide soon and get this thing scheduled.

Hi WavyGravy to HysterSisters!

I am so glad you found this site.

I cannot answer your questions on Lupron. But, we do have many women on this site, so hopefully one with experience will see this post and respond. In the meantime, here is an article:
Lupron: Yes or No?

Discuss with your doctor about any particular issues with your specific health scenario and make the best decision for you.

I had one 3 month shot of lupron in june 2019. Face first menopause, with sudden and massive cold chills and hot flashes. And just generally feeling meh about everything. Zero sex drive. I had my surgery immediately after the 3 month period was over, and I haven’t had any after effects that are not more easily explained by the hysterectomy.

Dealing with the specialty pharmacy to get access to the drug was irritating and difficult. Multiple days of 1+ hours on the phone, mostly on hold. Getting their computer system to accept my insurance and cover the cost was apparently harder than getting my insurance to ok the treatment. Very very frustrating. (If you want to know what mail order pharmacy this was, send me a private message.)

Lupron was a hefty med. It made me feel 20 years older. It did stop my fibroid related uterine pain tho, and shrank the fibroids a bit, and it seems to have worn off.

Thank you for sharing your experiences! I decided not to do the Lupron, for multiple reasons. Doctor assured me laparoscopy is still the method we’ll be using regardless so that was part of my decision. Tentative surgery date is Feb 11, another reason to pass on the Lupron — I won’t have to wait the three-month period.

Wishing you the best on your surgery! I decided not to try the Lupron as well. I had a TLH with a 16 1/2 week uterus. Felt immediate relief from the bloating and pressure on my bladder. It was amazing! Pain was very minimal but recovery was more difficult than I anticipated mostly because of the restrictions and not being able to exercise. Good Luck! You're going to feel so much better.