3 Questions About GnRH Injections Before Fibroid Surgery

A surgery date can already take up plenty of space in your head. Being offered injections beforehand adds another set of appointments and questions. Ask the team to explain how this treatment fits into your operation plan.

1. What is the injection meant to change for my operation?

Ask which goal applies to you: reducing fibroid size, managing bleeding or preparing for a particular procedure. UCLH describes these injections as one option before surgery, rather than a requirement for every person with fibroids. Treatment choices depend on fibroid size, location and symptoms.¹

Write down the proposed operation and ask how the team will judge whether the preparation has helped. If you are hoping to become pregnant later, bring that goal into the same conversation.

2. What are the start, repeat and finish dates?

These injections are commonly used for a short course in preparation for surgery. Their effect is temporary: after stopping, cycles and hormone-driven fibroid growth can return.²

Ask who arranges each dose and what to do if the operation is postponed. Keep the injection schedule alongside the surgery paperwork so you can check the dates together.

The injections are not reliable contraception. Pregnancy must be excluded before treatment; ask the prescriber which contraception to use and what pregnancy-testing instructions apply to you.²

3. How will we manage side effects and protect my bones?

Possible effects include hot flushes, sleep difficulties, mood changes and vaginal dryness. Longer use can affect bone density. Low-dose “add-back” hormones may help manage effects, but suitability needs individual review, including any history of breast cancer, stroke or blood clots.²

Ask whether add-back treatment is planned, what monitoring your course needs and whom to call if symptoms become difficult. Tell the clinician which changes would interfere most with your work, sleep or relationships.

Leave with a contact as well as a calendar

Before the first appointment, ask for the medication name, planned duration and treatment-team contact in writing. Keep a short note of symptoms you want to discuss at review. For suspected allergic symptoms after an injection, such as widespread rash or shortness of breath, seek urgent medical attention.²

The Period Scorecard and Flag It list and visit script in Period, Handled can help you organize bleeding observations and the questions you want answered. Bring your prescribed treatment plan to the clinician alongside those notes. Explore the period playbook.