Anastrozole: Did you experience developing anxiety? What helps?

@mistymar
It is difficult to keep taking drugs that make your life uncomfortable, even downright unbearable sometimes. But we have to have faith in our doctors. Or else change them.
I moved and so changed doctors. My new doctor was sympathetic and empathetic. She had had breast cancer, too. So she knew what I was going through. But she still encouraged taking Anastrozole, despite the uncomfort.

Talking to my neurologist today. Pain is keeping me up all night. Let you know. I won’t take pain med as I get projectile nausea.

@beyourownadvocate The demeanor of the oncologist makes a huge difference especially since empathy is not typically one of their finest attributes!

@beyourownadvocate

You can Google this research about Exemestane three times a week. 💕❤️💕
Alternative Dose Regimens of Exemestane in Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer

I have been taking Anastrozole for little over 2 years. I am 73 and taking this treatment for hormone sensitive breast cancer that returned after 20 years. Noticed the joint pain the first year but with walking was able to manage - have now noticed an increase in pain, also impacting sleep. I did research on pain relieve and there was reports the acupuncture was giving relief to patients. My oncologist agreed and prescribed - must do at least 4 treatments once a week for best results. BTW I have had acupuncture for an injured shoulders several years ago that was very successful. I have had my first treatment for the general pain associated with Anastrozole - she focused on my neck, back, shoulders and knees. I got immediate relief - even felt asleep during the first treatment. Felt much better however during several days after had increased pain in knee and felt some fatigue. Now the pain has disappeared - understand this is not unusual - often an area will ach more because the area is getting more blood flow/stimulation for healing. Feel fantastic and sleeping much better. Highly recommend trying acupuncture for your pain and the possibility of sleep. This is great therapy for those of us that do not like pain medicine. Wishing you health and healing during your cancer journey.

Hi! @aubreybill :

Thanks for sharing your inspiring experiences to help & encourage us!

Could you please let us know how to find a reliable provider for an effective acupuncture treatment? I heard about some unsuccessful stories of acupuncture treatments in my local area that made me wonder how to identify an effective acupuncture provider locally...

Thanks again for your help!

I did have to ask for the treatment and made my case with articles and documentation that supported my request - "Dr. Google/Dr. GROK" is always a big help. My oncologist through my medical plan (Kaiser) prescribed their acupuncture department. It is a verified treatment for patients struggling with cancer drug effects - I have read that acupuncture can also relieve the effectives from chemo. It is critical that your oncologist be up to date on non-drug therapies and you are referred to a acupuncturist that is familiar with the symptoms/pain from cancer treatments - my acupuncturist has advised it does not work for everyone - but she has had more patients that obtain relief than do not. Good luck on finding a provider - as info 6 days after my first treatment feeling so much relief - wishing you healing.

I'm 82 years old and have been taking Anastrozole for almost 2 years after lumpectomy and radiation. The first year I really didn't think I was having any side effects but this year has been difficult with tiredness, exhaustion, achiness. And also experiencing anxiety for past several months which I'm not sure is from the med or other circumstances in my life. A physical therapist I'm seeing recommended drinking Saffron tea which I think is helping some to relieve the anxiety. Google it, there's lots of info on it's benefits and how to make it. I ordered some from Amazon. Another friend told me about "Olly" gummies which I have found at Walmart in the pharmaceutical area. There are various kinds for stress relief. The one I'm using is called "Goodbye Stress" and I think it is also helpful.

My oncologist recommended wild cherry juice to reduce the side effects from the anastrazole, letrozole type AI drugs. She looked a little sheepish so I googled it and sure enough, here is the scientific evidence. I have just started to drink a couple of ounces a day as I have quite troublesome side effects. https://www.clinical-breast-cancer.com/article/S1526-8209(21)00151-8/fulltext

I am a big supporter of acupuncture. My body responds well. I finished anastrazole Sep 1 2025 and my body has been slow to re-regulate estrogen. Using acupuncture now to help balance hormones. Many oncology centers keep a list of credible alternative healing approaches. I would ask them for resources first if you dont know of any acupuncturist yourself that other people have used.