How long do Lupron side effects last after treatment concludes?

I had one shot of Luperon then did 28 days of radiation. I’m due for the 2nd shot now but I’m having second thoughts. Getting a PSA test next week (the first since radiation) to see where I’m at. My urologist doesn’t give me much feedback and just says “stay on the Luperon forever” ??? I guess I don’t understand that if the PC is gone, (if PSA is 0) why keep taking a drug that has so many negative side effects. I already am pre-diabetic and have some low kidney problems and it seems like Luperon will negatively affect these. I’m experiencing some muscle loss and some testicular shrinkage already and wondering if it can be reversed if I stop the Luperon?

I would look for another urologist. There is a lot of ageism in doctors who assume older guys aren’t interested in sex. Maybe talk to a sexual health doctor too. Just saying to think about other stuff is not an acceptable answer IMO

Three weeks ago my psa rose again and it is clear that the continuous luprolide was not going to work. I had a PETCTpsma scan which indicated that i still have only three tumors in my pelvic lymph nodes, but that one of them is growing ( although slowly). No indication of the cancer in any organs or bones at this time. I will continue the luprilide every three months and have now added 160mg of Enzalutaide daily. I will return in a month 6 weeks to test my psa, liver and kidneys so see that they are tolerating the medications. Side effects are significant, at times, but so far limited to hot flashes, lower leg pain and increased tiredness. While my daily coffee doesn't appear to be a problem, I enjoy a drink on a friday and saturday night if we go out and that does tend to set off the hot flashes at about 2am. I also tired more easily and will try to increase my excercise more.
Time will tell how my body adjusts, and subsequently how I will need to adjust.

Here's an update to my previous posts if interested. All the best to you.

"Exactly 1 year since 45mg Lupron hormone therapy injection that was followed by 20 radiation sessions. 90 day post treatment PSA test showed no cancer but I was left with several side effects. Decided not to continue Lupron injections, exercised daily and dieted with hope of returning testosterone level to normal from a low reading of < 20.
I am pleased to report one year later that retest results today show testosterone at 396 in a normal range of 240-899. Side effects from original loss of testosterone appear to be slowly subsiding. The worst side effect reported earlier is incontinence ( I prefer to call it "back door plumbing") and is still present. I believe this was caused by the radiation treatment and am hopeful it will normalize soon. "

I am 73 and pretty much all of the conditions you describe are present except hair loss. PSA has been < .1 since my radiation therapy in 2016-17. My T is as low as my urologist has ever seen but I can still lift my 850 lb motorcycle to an upright position and do all my normal chores around the house and as a volunteer in a state park. I just tire a bit more easily. I can live with that.

Lots of exercise ..no fatigue.. psa every 6 months

Did the fatigue go away after ADT stoppage. How often is your PSA checked now? Thanks, bruce

Great comments.. I was on ADT for 2 years and have been off it for 1 year.. still have hot flashes at night.. psa still undetectable ❤️. I am 73 not pleasant but it beats rising PC

Great questions. Some I know and some not.
Last Lupron was 1/4/24.
Then only a PSA check in early April. Score was "negligible". I love that one.
Next PSA check will be at six month mark in October with only a Prolia shot to prevent bone loss side effect. I don't know what's happening there, good or bad. But I've had no bone problems whatsoever.
I'd also love to see the end of hot flashes but they are still with me even now some 6-months out. I've heard that it may take a year (more?) - but I sure hope not. My Med Oco said the time it takes for your body to clear out the Lupron is longer with greater age. Not a great time for me to be 77.
The fatigue is gone. I think it was linked to episodes of tachycardia - heart rate over 120/minute. Possibly due to Lupron, maybe. Those seem to be gone but I'll get a better report in about 2-weeks.
And hair loss was not a problem for me. My head is patchy bald already and I didn't miss the hair on my arms/legs.
Yeah, the hot flashes linger on. (I do take Paroxetine that reduces them somewhat.) But better than a flare up of PC !!!
Hang in there my friend.
GranPun

Hi there, grandpa, tell me what your PSA is since your off Lupron now. Is the PC still dormant...I m coming up on stopping ZYTIGA , (same stuff) in November. I m wondering how long before I get rid of hot flashes and hair loss and fatigue? Its getting old as you know. Bruce