Zoladex side effects Time frames

My first hot flush occurred about 2 weeks into treatment and they have become part of my daily life now. Loss of libido happened gradually during the first month and the teariness started within the same time period too. I've had acupuncture for the flushes which have really helped me. Some hospitals offer complementary therapy treatments for cancer patients which may be worth investigating.

However not all patients have these symptoms , I know one who has never had a hot flush and another who flushes but doesn't understand the teariness side. I've hit the jackpot though experiencing almost everything. However I've learnt to adjust to this part of my life now and accept that this treatment is helping me survive.

Just one point to make. It seems that some HT/RT patients can be overlooked for ED treatment ( I certainly was) and having loss of libido can mean that you couldn't care less about sex. It is however important to address the issue of penilie atrophy. I sought ED assistance about a year after I finished RT but wish I'd been more proactive before then.

I have no complaints at all going down the HT/RT route ( no other treatment was available to me though) and just over 2 since dx, I am living my life almost as before this all started for me.

John

Toad, I am in the same boat as John (surr33) I also am lucky enough to get all the symptoms and s/e's, I think John and I are twins in a virtual life as most of what he has and had has happened to me, the only thing that he wants that I have is a 0.01 PSA score ( sorry John just had to mention it)

We both feel strongly about the lack of info given at Dx for HT/RT guys regarding penile atrophy and being given help with prevention. We both found out the hard way(well soft way really) but doing something about it now.

Cheers Chris/Woody

Life seems different upside down, take another viewpoint

John you have a full PM box so dump something please.

Sorry to crash this message board

Chris/Woody

Life seems different upside down, take another viewpoint

Hi Guys,

I had Zoladex from 2007 to 2011, I found that with the help of Viagra I could still perform for the first 3 months, but after 6 months on Zoladex I hardly had any salacious thoughts, let alone sexual activity.  Hot flushes were fairly regular throughout and weight gain is all too easily achieved, best to start sensible eating straight away.

I only started noticing muscle reduction and loss of strength after about a year on Zoladex, but it is remorseless and the longer you are on HT the worse it gets.

When I came off Zoladex I was frustrated about the length of time taken before improvements, I was thinking about sex within weeks but it took over a year for a half decent erection.

I was back on HT, with Prostrap injections from 2013 until last November, the side effects are exactly the same, its not the drug but the lack of hormones that get you.

Since I ended the most recent HT I have had lots of half hearted erections, the hair is starting to grow stronger and thicker on my chest and legs, building up muscle mass is hard work but I feel I am getting stronger, certainly I have stopped getting weaker.

I did actually manage to lose a couple of stone when I was on Prostrap by following a strict low carb diet so it can be done.

Taking all things together I have to say that I haven't been 'normal' since I started, but things are getting better.  Also I must realise that I am now 63 and was a relative youngster of 54 when I was last 'normal', quite apart from PCa how many 63year olds are as virile and strong as they were at 54?

So the frightening thought is that I am merely swimming against the tide.

But it's good fun isn't it, dieting, exercising, doing our best to live healthily and hoping, just hoping, that we might recover our youthful vigour, sad I know, but better than the alternative?

:)

Dave

Quick update.
That was in july, have since put on 11 pounds, and had to buy new trousers to fit.
My last implant was in September, and still having hot flushes, night sweats here in January.

Are these likely to stop anytime soon, or is it months :-(

Back at work after having 8 weeks off to recuperate from the RT . feeling good, but still tire easy.

Hi Paul

My hot flushes stayed throughout HT. However guys seem to get help nowadays so worth asking for.

My weight pre HT was self regulating. During HT whatever diet made no difference. It seems my body decided the extra weight of 7 - 10 pounds was the knew norm .

Ray