Stopped Letrozole this week, how long before side effects go away?

@panarosmith I am taking Anastrozole and have been on it just 3 months. Probably not enough time to experience the worst of the side effects. I see this as a learning curve & appreciate all comments shared in this space. I am active /yoga, walking & stationary bike. I am hoping that continuing to be active will pay off. I am 79 years old.

@Jesussis
Hello I was diagnosed in 2019 with my 1st Breast cancer. I took the med for 7 years. I didn't experience side effects. But, the med did nothing to stop my body making estrogen. Diagnosis in Aug. 2025 with Metastatic breast cancer. So this hormone therapy is not a choice I'll make again. Get a second opinion if you are considering Letrozole.

@jesussister , I'm so sorry to hear this. If you feel up to it can you share details of your first and most recent diagnosis?

@jesussister … Appreciate the advice on the med. Seems choosing meds for breast cancer is still in the early stages considering what it does to your body!!

@panarosmith It’s so encouraging to hear of folks that tolerated an aromatase inhibitor well. I hope it continues on for you! I was not so fortunate. I am 78 with history of neuropathy in my legs and joint issues in shoulder (new shoulder joint in 2021 and spine (lumbar fusion in 2023). My tumor was tiny without evidence of aggressive growth. Had a lumpectomy and radiation then figured why not take an AI? Side effects started slowly then became severe at 4-5 months in. Pain made sleep impossible and sleep deprivation made me moody and depressed. I tried another AI and got worse. Finally quit at the 7 months mark and have spent the time since then mopping up after the continuing side effects edema, urethral prolapse, venous insufficiency. On to good side, I have lost about 15 pounds, my hair has stopped falling out and my nails have come back. My risk of cancer went from 2.5% at 5 years to a bit below 5%. But I have a joy-filled life again! Best wishes to all with this disease and thank you for sharing your stories!!

@roma76 , thank you for sharing. It's such a challenging decision isn't it?
I wish you a speedy recovery and a cancer free future!

@keywestsj

You probably have made a decision long ago.

I had terrible bouts of AFib with Letrozole and stopped at the 2 1/4 yrs point.
I feel so much better and have no knee muscle weakness now.

@panarosmith I’m finding through this Mayo Connect that many oncologists (including mine) do not provide a full picture of what patients might face on various treatments. There seems to be a basic treatment protocol for post-menopausal women with HR+ tumors. It’s understandable that docs don’t want to plant notions of pain or suffering with AIs; still, I think I could have chosen better for myself with more professional input. Best wishes for smooth sailing and cancer-free times ahead!

@jesussister could you tell me if they tested your estrogen levels throughout your time taking Letrozole? I am taking it since last April 25 and have hot flashes periodically but no one has mentioned that it may not suppress your estrogen and my estrogen levels have never been tested. Has anyone ever had their estrogen levels tested?

Hi. That's what concerned me. The never checked my estrogen. I sometime had hot flashes. My new oncologist for this second journey are checking my cancer antigens. This may be the estrogen check. Follow up with your oncologist to confirm and insure they check the antigens. Wishing you the best and healing.