Does Lupron (Leuprolide) cause weight gain?

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Last updated: February 8, 2025View editorial policy

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There are no official guidelines to assist in answering this question. I will search for relevant research papers instead.

The FDA Drug Labels for leuprolide (IM) do not address this question.

From the Research

Effects of Lupron (Leuprolide) on Weight

  • The study 1 found that leuprolide acetate causes more weight gain in obese people and increases the risk of obesity-related diseases among these patients.
  • This study suggests that treatment with leuprolide acetate should be used with caution in obese patients with endometriosis.
  • Another study 2 mentions that one of the possible side effects of leuprolide acetate treatment is an increase in BMI, which is a concern for some patients.
  • However, the study 3 does not mention weight gain as a side effect of leuprolide acetate treatment in children with central precocious puberty.
  • The studies 4 and 5 do not provide information on the effects of leuprolide acetate on weight gain.

Side Effects of Lupron (Leuprolide)

  • Common side effects of leuprolide acetate treatment include hypoestrogenism, such as cramps and spotting, as well as endogenous complications like oily skin, acne, and hirsutism 1.
  • The study 2 mentions that leuprolide acetate can cause a reduction in bone mineral density, which is a concern for long-term treatment.
  • The study 4 found that leuprolide treatment affects the development of reproductive physiology and behavior in female and male rats differently, but both mature after treatment termination.

Clinical Applications of Leuprolide Acetate

  • Leuprolide acetate is used to treat a wide range of sex hormone-related disorders, including advanced prostatic cancer, endometriosis, and precocious puberty 2.
  • It is also used as an adjuvant therapy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization or gamete intrafallopian transfer 2.
  • The study 5 mentions that leuprolide acetate is being tested for the treatment of various diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and functional bowel disease.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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