If you are someone who has been associated with malignancies or other less-lethal conditions like endometriosis, then you may have been treated with Lupron.
Even though it is quite an effective drug for the treatment of an array of conditions, there can be side effects. Weight gain can be one of them. You might not be sure about how to lose weight while on Lupron.
There can be multiple approaches to tackle this excessive weight gain. To decide on what’s best for you, you need to understand your treatment process. You need to know your limitations and restrictions as well.
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The Root Cause of Weight Gain with Lupron Use
When someone is under hormone therapy, especially on Lupron, it affects the release of testosterone and estrogens. In the case of males, there is a shrinkage of the prostate.
The stoppage of the release of testosterone and the development of secondary sexual characters is also affected. The body goes through several changes.
There is a loss of muscle mass and accumulation of fat which makes you gain weight. Water retention also adds an extra few pounds to the body.
Lupron therapy also causes loss of energy. Thus, there is a reduction of muscle activity, which contributes to weight gain.
How to Lose Weight While on Lupron
Losing weight on Lupron is not easy but not impossible. Regular physical activity and a proper diet should be enough to keep your weight within a healthy range. But losing weight would take more time than usual while you are on hormone therapy.
Gentle exercises would allow you to gain back your energy. You can consult your doctor and get into a weight loss program.
Or you can opt to take weight loss supplements but with the permission of your doctor. Using resistance bands and lifting light weights can prevent muscle loss.
Here are some steps that you might consider
- Make a plan and commit yourself to regular exercise. There are several pieces of research available mentioning how exercise can reduce the hormonal imbalance.
- Make a habit of eating fibrous foods. Fibers do wonders when it comes to weight loss.
- Consider taking weight loss supplements after consulting with your doctor.
- Vegetables of the cruciferous family are a great choice of food for weight loss. They include cauliflower, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, etc. Green and leafy vegetables are always a good idea.
- Avoid canned foods and synthetic foods.
- Choose organic foods as much as possible. Also, try to choose phthalate-free cosmetics and personal care products.
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Lupron and Its Uses
Lupron is a Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone(LHRH) agonist similar to the structure of the hormone released from the pituitary gland. It is used for the treatment of several conditions. Some of them are listed as follows.
- This drug is generally used as a part of hormone therapy. It is used to treat malignant conditions, aka cancers like prostate cancers for males and breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer for females.
- It is also used for female reproductive health problems like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cysts.
- It is also used for benign prostate hypertrophy, which is a common condition as men get older. It is the enlargement of the prostate more than normal.
- One of the more debatable uses for Lupron is during In Vitro fertilization. It is advisable not to use the drug during pregnancy as it may cause abortion.
Lupron For Hormone Therapy
To understand how Lupron works for hormone therapy, you need to understand the working mechanisms of hormones. Hormones are organic chemical substances.
Different glands of the body produce them then are released into the bloodstream. This hormone travels to the designated tissue and stimulates a certain function.
For example, the Luteinizing hormone plays a great role in developing the sexual characteristics and functions of a woman. It regulates the menstrual cycle and stimulates ovulation.
The Lupron depot works by inhibiting the release of the Luteinizing hormone. Which in turn stops the release of testosterone from the testicles of the males. In the case of females, it prevents the release of estrogen, which is released from the ovaries.
It mainly works on the theory that Luoron can inhibit the growth of malignant tumors by preventing the release of hormones. These hormones help in the proliferation of the tumor cells. Or it is supplied with another synthetic material that imitates the function of the hormone without stimulating the tumor growth.
Lupron does not directly act on the tumors. But it indirectly stops the tumor from progressing.
Hormone Therapy And Weight Gain
Lupron is the drug of choice in many cases when it comes to hormone therapy. Lupron is a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist.
Its action affects the release of estrogen in women and testosterone in men. Imbalanced levels of estrogen and progesterone may cause weight gain.
Estrogen promotes the storage of fat for good reproductive health. When the hormone level is balanced, then the right amount of fat storage is formed. It helps to carry out the basic reproductive functions.
But, when there is too much or too little estrogen production, it can lead to weight gain.
Women with high BMI or excessive weight have been observed to have high levels of estrogen. Weight gain can also be common in the first half of pregnancy. Low levels of estrogen during perimenopause or menopause may cause a reduction in fat metabolism. This causes weight gain.
Lupron regulates the release of testosterone. It can also cause a difference in the levels of testosterone in the blood. Low testosterone may negatively impact your health and may cause weight. No wonder you will start worrying about how to lose weight while on lupron.
Testosterone has a function of fat distribution in the body. It determines how much muscle mass you would have. Reduced levels of testosterone affect the adipocytes, which are the fat-storing cells. This ultimately causes weight gain and accumulation of fat.
Fat storage can be observed in the abdomen, arms, thighs, back, etc. This not only ruins the body’s aesthetic but also leads to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases.
Lupron For Men
Lupron is mainly suggested to men for treatment of prostate cancer as a part of hormone therapy. It is recommended when cancer has metastasized and spread outside the prostate.
It can also be suggested along with radiotherapy for more effective treatment. Even though the cancer is still within the primary site, it helps with recovery. Finally, it can be prescribed again if there is evidence of cancer recurring.
It is one of the most popular forms of hormone therapy. Patients have fewer chances of developing cardiovascular disease from a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist.
Lupron For Women
This drug plays an extensive role in women’s health. Women with endometriosis and uterine fibroids are usually prescribed Lupron. It also has a controversial use in infertility treatment.
Hormone Treatment Can Cause Weight Gain for Women
Other Side Effects Besides Weight Gain
The purpose of using Lupron is to regulate hormones. It is used for either cancer control or female reproductive problems for an effective treatment. However, you must expect several side effects while using Lupron. Some of them are listed as follows:
- Feeling of illness
- Frequently catching colds
- Heat flashes
- Amenorrhea
- The tingling and stinging sensation on the skin
- Bleeding outside your menstrual cycle
- Shrinkage of testicles
- Problems of digestion
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low energy
- Dizziness
- Vaginal infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Myalgia
- Joint pain
- Excessive body hair growth in female, aka hirsutism
- Risk of infection etc.
FAQ
Do You Gain Weight On Lupron?
It is a common side effect to gain weight while using Lupron. And you start thinking immediately about how to lose weight while on lupron.
Reduction in physical activity and loss of muscle mass can be a cause. Water retention and accumulation of fat can also be the cause behind this weight gain.
Can You Exercise While On Lupron?
Yes, lightweight exercises are recommended while getting hormone therapy. It would help you to keep your weight in check and prevent muscle loss.
Does Lupron make you hungry?
It is a noticeable side effect in patients using Lupron to feel hungrier than usual. The hormonal changes in the body play a big role in increased hunger and cravings.
Can Lupron Cause Permanent Menopause?
Lupron does have many side effects, including changes in the menstrual cycle, headache, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, muscle loss, etc.
But it is not directly mentioned that Lupron would cause permanent menopause. Lupron does render infertility and menopause are inevitable and the process permanent.
What If I Miss A Lupron Shot?
If you miss a Lupron shot before the next shot is due, then you can just take the shot when you remember. You might remember while administering the next shot. Then just skip the missed shot, don’t double dose on Lupron.
Final thoughts
Lupron is an effective drug for hormone therapy. However, it can cause weight gain. You must consult your doctor about how to lose weight while on Lupron.
Light exercise and physical activity are recommended to keep your weight under control.
So let us know if all our tips helped you lose weight in the comments below!
