Exemestane side effects

Well there are other AI's to try which might not have the same side effects you are now experiencing.
But remember, ALL of the AI's have many, many side effects.
I am on anastrozole 1 mg. daily since June 2025. I have an annoying headache just about every day. And I am monitoring my blood pressure as it has increased (the systolic) despite 2 increased in my blood pressure medication. It's not at a danger zone right now...but it's consistently higher than it was before taking this drug.
My bone density at age 68 was normal. Now at age 70 and 3 months on this medication I have osteopenia in my left hip. Normal aging? Maybe. No one knows. But I will be monitored more frequently now. Plus I have ischemic heart disease and the combination of this health issue but the AI is not good at all. I can have a heart attack or stroke.
What to do? With invasive cancer (like me) I feel one needs to take their best shot to prevent a reoccurrence.
Of course, not all women feel this way. Some women are living in the moment and want quality of life.
But like everyone else, I don't want the cancer to return...and it most certainly can. I am between a rock and a hard place. But this was my decision. Weigh the pros and cons. And "maybe" your symptoms will resolve after a bit more time(??). All the best to you!

The comment above gives , I think a fair summary of the situation many of us find ourselves in. Wishing people well and that they can make the most of circumstances.

I say that from the point of view of eighteen months into five years.

Keep going. I found that the stomach issues - I had nausea, acid reflux and gas (LOTS of gas) normalized after about a month. Did use antacids a few times but been on it for 10 months now and no more stomach. So worth it for a couple more weeks to see if it goes away. After 10 months, my biggest problem is extreme fatigue and some insomnia which may be the reason I have to make a choice. But I had more problems with Anastrazole than with the exemestane.

Thank you, Misty. I have a TON of gas and gurling, diarrhea and indigestion. I already tried Letrozole and had worse side effects, so now I'm trying Exemestane. I appreciate the support, because I don't want the breast cancer to return and I value quality of life. Only on week 3.

Thank you, briarrose,
I already tried Letrozole for 2 months and the side effects were worse, so that's why Exemestane. Only on week 3 and struggling. I so appreciate your support and trying to continue to see if the current side effects will subside.
I surely don't want invasive lobular cancer again and like you, a bit of difficult decision. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for your support. It helps to know that others are faced with similar issues. This is not an easy situation for any of us!

Was on exemestane for years-in the beginning no terrible effects but gradually worsening headaches a bad bouts of acid reflux and I have decided to go off for at least a while. Issues improved somewhat. Hard decision but want some of my life back. Good luck!

The recurring comments about acid reflux are interesting, as someone who already had real problems with this I felt that worsening symptoms were a progression of the original problem.
I am now considering that Anastrozole may be behind this and will raise this with my oncologist.
I also feel that Gastroenterologists are often not that conversant with the crossover effects of this time of cancer therapy.

Yes, I have increased acid reflux for sure from Exemestane.
And I developed acid reflux at menopause as it's a common menopausal condition. Which makes one think that there must be some kind of direct link of decreased estrogen to the development of acid reflux(?)
Let us know what you find out!