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Letrozole and Cholesterol
I have suggestion for anyone who is going to start letrozole. Ask your doctor about having your LIPIDS / Cholesterol tested prior to starting and then again after you have been on Letrozole for a few months. I did not have tested prior, my dr did not mention that letrozole could increase cholesterol. I had always had to watch my cholesterol but never required medication.
A few months after starting letrozole I had cholesterol tested as part routine check up and was surprised how much it had increase from previous test two years ago. How much of increase was due to letrozole vs diet could not tell because did not test prior to starting new medication. I talked to oncologist and primary dr about. Increase cholesterol is a known side effect of letrozole. After reviewing other factors that contribute to cardiac disease (blood pressure, family history, etc…) they both agreed I should stay on Letrozole and I do not have to start cholesterol meds, YEAH ! Did not need a new medication and new set of side effects.
Laurie
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Hi
Have just been told I need to take letrozole before surgery but just came back from doctors app after discussing blood tests for cholesterol takn day before I was given them....my total cholesterol is 6.9 and out of that my bad cholesterol is over 4.....spent all day Friday Tring to contact my breast cancer nurse without success so now will have to try on Monday.....but just feel like starting them anyway as so worried first about the breast cancer and now about the cholesterol.....advice would be great
@justwhenuthink, were you able to reach your oncology nurse? What advice were you given regarding letrozole and your cholesterol levels? How are you doing?
Thank you for posting this information! I was taken off cholesterol meds at age 76 (a couple years back) due to severe leg cramps. My cholesterol is creeping in high range. Now with taking letrozole, (and thanks to your post), I am going to address at upcoming appointment with PCP. My oncologist never mentioned this as a side effect. Thank you again!
This happened to me. I had never had my cholesterol above 200. In Sept it was 283! I am taking fish oil as recommended by my GP. I hope it works. I also have eliminated meat, chicken and fish from my diet. But I will not take any meds for this and my GP knows it
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1 ReactionMy oncologist told me that letrozole can increase both cholesterol as well as blood pressure. I have been taking my blood pressure regularly since April and have also scheduled regular bloodwork to check cholesterol levels. I do take red rice yeast as a supplement at the suggestion of my family doctor to lower my cholesterol which runs higher due to genetics. My cholesterol has remained low so far. I eat a mostly plant based with some dairy and fish diet because I also have some osteoporosis which I am trying to treat through exercise and diet. Breast cancer added Letrozole to the mix and it is great to stay in top of these potential impacts before they become an issue.