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Fertility Therapies

Lupron and Endometriosis – What You Need to Know

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist
July 13, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

For women suffering from endometriosis, there often comes a point when they are willing to do just about anything to alleviate their pain. It is at that point, and sometimes sooner, when many doctors will prescribe a drug called Leuprolide Acetate, or Lupron for short. This is a GnRH drug which puts women into a temporary state of menopause, slowing the growth of endometriosis in most cases as the body’s estrogen and progestin stores are completely shut down.

The side effects can be difficult to endure, and many doctors will be upfront about what you can come to expect in the short term. Unfortunately, there is a more limited understanding of the long-term effects – effects which thousands of women are now claiming continue to plague them every single day after only short stints on Lupron for the treatment of endometriosis.

How Safe is Lupron for Treating Endometriosis & Infertility?

Originally designed as a chemotherapy drug for the treatment of prostate cancer, Lupron was approved by the FDA in 1990 for the treatment of endometriosis, and in 1995 for the treatment of uterine fibroids. It has never been formally approved for use in fertility treatments; however doctors have been designing In Vitro Fertilization protocols which start with the administration of Lupron for many years now.

When it comes to the treatment of endometriosis, Lupron typically comes in two different dosing forms for inducing temporary menopause. Patients will either receive a monthly 3.75mg shot or an every 3-month 11.25mg shot throughout the duration of their treatment. Many doctors will include an add-back hormone therapy for women currently receiving Lupron treatments. This includes a daily pill that women can take to add a small amount of estrogen/progestin back into their systems, with the purpose of diminishing some of the harder to endure short term effects of the drug.

Short Term Side Effects – Long Term Health Implications?

The openly acknowledged short term side effects of Lupron for the treatment of endometriosis are very similar to what a woman may experience while going through menopause. They include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, changes in mood, a decreased interest in sex, depression, and the occurrence of forgetfulness. Most patients who take Lupron will experience at least some of these side effects, to varying levels of severity. It is the long-term effects which can be truly frightening, however. Thinning of the bones is a recognized risk with Lupron treatments, and as such, it is not recommended that any patient be on the drug for longer than 6 months. Few women have also reported developing severe long-term health issues, such as joint pain, fibromyalgia, and horrible memory loss as a result of Lupron. Previously active and fit women have been reduced to wheelchairs in some cases, and instances of death have even occurred but these were mostly in men over the age of 60 who had prostate cancer and were on the drug for 1-2 years.

While these potential long-term effects are reported as being very rare by the drugs manufacturers, Takeda-Abbott Pharmaceuticals, a survey out of the Endometriosis Research Center (a patient advocacy group) had over half the respondents reporting long term effects lasting longer than 6 months after discontinuing the use of Lupron. Nearly a quarter of those same respondents reported side effects lasting longer than 5 years. A 1999 report from the FDA had adverse drug reactions for 4,228 women – 25 of whom died.

Still, no real movement has occurred in terms of further evaluating the safety of Lupron, although advocacy groups are starting a large push in bringing the issue to the attention of congress. Meanwhile, women continue to receive a drug that is harming many of them – a drug that The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) actually categorize as being a “hazardous drug”, requiring medical workers to wear protective gowns and gloves when handling it. In 2010, the FDA did release an ongoing safety review of Lupron and other GnRH agonists like it, recommending that “healthcare professionals should be aware of these potential safety issues and carefully weigh the benefits and risks of GnRH agonists when determining treatment”. Yet the drug continues to be regularly prescribed to women who simply have blind faith in their doctors and medical practitioners.

In many cases, those doctors and medical practitioners don’t even seem to be aware of how hazardous Lupron could really be. They are quick to site the short term effects, without fully recognizing the potential long-term health consequences. Often it is gynecologists prescribing Lupron to their patients; doctors who are treating a variety of conditions on any given day, and are not necessarily experts on endometriosis or the best treatments available. The top specialists in the field have all begun shying away from the use of Lupron, veering more towards improved surgical techniques and other treatment options today. The problem they see with Lupron is that it is only a temporary fix – a Bandaid on a pulsing wound at best. It may buy patients up to 6 months of relief while they are on the drug, but once Lupron is discontinued – those symptoms return. The long-term risks aren’t worth the short term benefits in the eyes of many endometriosis experts.

Is Lupron Right for You?

Every patient has to make their own determinations regarding the treatment plans they feel comfortable with, and in at least many cases – Lupron users will experience no long-term side effects as a result of the drug. However, there do seem to be other options that don’t require medically inducing menopause worth considering, including the use of the natural supplement Pycnogenol which produced a greater reduction of symptoms compared to Lupron in a 2007 study printed in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, with virtually none of the same side effects.

Too many women have suffered at the hands of Lupron, without any real understanding of who will experience those long-term health effects. Arm yourself with information and make an informed decision before agreeing to this treatment path. In many cases, there are far better options to consider first.

References

  • Endometriosis pain can bring you down.Get back control of endometriosis pain with LUPRON DEPOT. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.luprongyn.com/lupron-for-endometriosis
  • Fast Facts About Endometriosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://articles.mercola.com/endometriosis.aspx
  • Lupron-What Does It Do To Women’s Health? (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://nwhn.org/lupron-what-does-it-do-to-womens-health/
  • Cancer, C. C. (n.d.). Lupron Depot. Retrieved from: http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Lupron-Depot.aspx#.UoVYRvmTju8
  • Investigation into Lupron Side Effects (Leuprolide Acetate). (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.petition2congress.com/1902/investigation-lupron-side-effects-leuprolide-acetate
  • Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers – FDA Drug Safety Communication: Ongoing Safety Review of GnRH Agonists and possible increased risk of diabetes and certain cardiovascular diseases. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm209842.htm

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About the Author

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Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist

Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to empowering women with to take control of their health with natural therapies.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

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4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

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🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

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Nutrition can make a big difference when you are wanting to prepare for pregnancy, support hormonal health or overcome fertility issues.

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There are 5 specific things I have my clients add to their current diets every day.

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👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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🌱Learn how to balance your HORMONES naturally 👇

Here are 3 practical and affect ways to support your hormonal health.

One of the keys to see the best results is to stay consistent and learn as much about your body as you can.

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Herbs such as milk thistle have been shown to help the liver in it's natural ability to get rid of toxins and chemicals in the body.

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2️⃣ Do the Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

Support the body in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones by doing a fertility cleanse.

3️⃣ Stop using skin care and cleaning products that contain hormone mimicking chemicals

Xenohormones mimic estrogen in the body and can cause imbalance.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇

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Should men do a Fertility Cleanse as well? 💪

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👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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This tea is one of two teas in our Fertility Cleanse Kit. 

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

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Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
🥚 In the past, a common belief was that the only factor which determines ovarian and egg health was age. 

Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
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A common misconception when it comes to fertility is that if there is an issue it is most likely going to be with the woman. 

This is simply not true. 

Statically fertility issues impact men just as often as women and lifestyle factors can make a big difference. 

The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

#malefertilty #naturalfertility #gettingpregnant #fertilitytips

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Is it okay to start a kit and the Fertility Cleanse at the same time?

Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

naturalfertilityinfo

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Open
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👇To begin learning how to fertility chart, type CHART into the comments below and I will share a link to my getting started to fertility charting guide. 👇 

#fertility #fertilitycharting #fertilitytips #fertilitycoach #naturalfertility

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
The Fertility Cleanse kit is one of the best ways to prepare for conception. 

It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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