Starting Zoladex: My Honest Experience

When I was told I’d be starting Zoladex as part of my breast cancer treatment plan, I had no idea what to expect. For those who don’t know, Zoladex is a medication that suppresses the production of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It’s commonly used in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. In simple terms, it helps protect my ovaries from chemotherapy drugs and reduces the risk of infertility.

According to my plan, I would receive a total of eight doses of 3.6 mg, spaced 28 days (or 4 weeks) apart. The first injection happened on the same day as my egg retrieval—a whirlwind of a day, to say the least. I was already nervous about preserving my fertility, and then they added hormone therapy into the mix. But eight injections later, I’ve been through the full cycle, and I want to share what it was like—the good, the bad, and the surprisingly bright side of it all.

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The First Jab and Beyond

That first Zoladex injection went into my belly right after the egg retrieval. I was still dizzy from the painkillers when a nurse asked if I was ready. Honestly? I wasn’t. But my mindset throughout this journey has been like Nike’s slogan: Just do it. So I nodded and said, “I’m ready.”

When she unpacked the Zoladex, I freaked out—the needle was huge! I didn’t even try to hide my fear. The nurse tried to reassure me, saying the needle looked worse than it felt. She asked me to look out the window and try to relax. And you know what? She was right—it didn’t hurt much. Just a quick pinch and a dull ache afterward. Maybe I was lucky—I’ve heard that having some belly fat actually makes it less painful. It didn’t bleed much either, just left a tiny mark, smaller than a pimple.

That first one was done at the hospital, but for the rest, I booked appointments with my GP. Funny enough, the first time I saw him for the injection, I actually asked, “Do you know how to do this?” 😂 He pointed to his trash bin where an empty Zoladex package sat. Turns out, it’s not some rare treatment—many men and women receive it for various reasons.

After the second shot, I wasn’t afraid anymore. It still hurt a bit, though. Oddly enough, I noticed it hurts more when injected on the left side of my belly than the right.

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The Side Effects: My Body’s New Normal

The side effects kicked in quickly after the first dose and stuck around like uninvited guests. I’d read about them—hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue—but living through them was another story. Since I was also undergoing chemotherapy, it was hard to tell which symptoms were from Zoladex and which were from the chemo.

Hot flashes were new to me. I’ve lived in tropical climates, so I know what “hot” feels like—but this was different. A sudden wave of heat would crash over me, mostly starting from the back of my neck. My face would flush, sweat would bead up, and I’d be peeling off layers, even on a chilly day.

At first, I didn’t even realize they were hot flashes. It was an unusually warm May in Norway, so I thought it was just the weather. But soon it became clear this was something else. Sleeping became a challenge—tossing and turning because of night sweats. That was the first summer I had to buy a fan just to get some sleep.

Then came the mood swings. Honestly, I didn’t notice them right away. I was already emotionally overwhelmed—after all, how cheerful can you be when you’re battling cancer? It was hard to tell whether my emotions were side effects or just natural reactions to everything going on. Still, I tried to stay positive and focused on the long-term goal: getting healthy again.

Another side effect that caught me off guard was vaginal dryness. It was painful—sometimes just from peeing or wearing tight pants. Luckily, it improved over time (or maybe I just adapted?). My medical team suggested a milk-based vaginal cream, which helped a lot. Hormonal creams weren’t an option due to the breast cancer treatment.

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The Bright Side: No Periods, No Problem

Despite everything, there was one unexpected perk: no periods. After the first injection, my cycle stopped, and honestly, it was such a relief. With so much going on—cancer treatments, egg freezing—dealing with monthly cramps and bloating would’ve been too much. Not having to think about my period was a small but meaningful gift. In a time when everything felt chaotic and overwhelming, this was one thing I didn’t have to manage.

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Looking Back

I had all eight Zoladex boxes stacked at home and watched the pile shrink each month as I took one to my GP. Each injection marked another step forward—through waiting for surgery results, through uncertainty, through hope.

The side effects weren’t easy. The hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue tested me. But they were signs that the medication was doing its job—shutting down my ovaries to help protect them and fight the cancer. And that unexpected silver lining of being period-free? It reminded me that even in the hardest times, there can be little wins.

If you’re starting Zoladex or considering it, brace yourself—but know that it’s not all bad. Everyone’s journey is different. For me, it was tough, but I made it through—and I’m stronger for it.

What’s your story? If you’ve been on this ride too, I’d love to hear how you’re navigating it.

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and I won’t give any medical advice. All I share on this blog is simply my personal experiences based on the treatment plan which was made specifically for me. However, if there is any topic you want me to share more about, please comment below 👇