Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?

I gained almost 30 pounds and I eat plant based whole foods. I have already lost 5 pounds. It is crazy that the first the doctor says is you need to lose some weight and then puts you on AIs that cause weight gain. I will get my results tomorrow as to remission or not.

@mjay
In my limited research on the subject of natural, plant-based aromatase inhibitors, it seemed to indicate that that study of phytophenols let to the development of current AIs. Also, I noted that there were a number of studies of phytophenolic natural products in the 1990s and early part of this century without conclusions of their efficacy. Taken together, I had concluded that the research community was not promoting them.

Perhaps you have recent and shareable research studies which can shed more light on the subject?

The side effects I’ve experienced on Exemestane aren’t nearly as severe as I had with Anastrozole or Tomoxifin. I last saw my oncologist in late September; I had my mammogram, blood work, and physical exam. There were no signs of recurrence of breast cancer at that time. She gave me the ‘ok’ to take a few months break meds. then, but I waited until the beginning of the new year to take that break. We have some events coming up in the next few months that I want to feel like my old self again! I’ll likely go back on Exemestane in April, when I have my next visit with my oncologist. But for now...being off those evil medications is wonderful!!

with everything I have studied and my coach verifies, the AIs completely block ALL estrgen. Everything I have read tells me our bodies need small amounts of estrgen. It was not that long ago that there was only tamoxifin. The AIs are also not proven, you take them for 5 years and then they ask you to take them for another 5. Being I am 67 and post meno, I want quality of life now.

@elizm
Crazy, isn't it? Even the chemo they put me on was one that caused weight gain!! Please let us know how your results are. I go back in March for my next PET scan. Have to have them every 6 months because of the second lesion being neuroendocrine cancer.

@jeaniebean Pharmaceuticals are tricky. Since going on an AI in January 2018, I lost about 25 lbs. in two years without dieting or increasing exercise... then my weight leveled off during the pandemic SIP business when exercise time plummeted with the close of my gym. I was not unhappy with the weight loss, but it alarmed my oncologist at first. At my age, it likely has more to do with loss of muscle mass than fat loss... but nonetheless, you never know how your body will react to an AI until you go on one.

@trixie1313 Last week's mammo and ultrasound on my left breast found nothing. It may be costochondritis (an inflammation of cartilage on my ribs) which has been giving me fits, but I was relieved to hear from the radiologist that day that there were no suspicious places showing up on their screens. As you know, it's "always something" when taking these drugs... and I have four more years (originally seven) to put up with them.

Interesting side note: I recently switched to Letrozole because of a drug rash reaction to Exemestane, and then another to anastrozole (which I had taken previously). My oncologist mentioned that, if I could not tolerate Letrozole, he would prescribe a SERM called Evista (Raloxifene)... that it doesn't cause osteoporosis (but I noticed that it has many of the same side effects of the Letrozole). I have my next DEXA scan in August. If my bone health has decreased significantly, I may ask him to switch me to the Evista. Have you had any discussions with your oncologist regarding Evista?

Thank you for your reply. I do not have info on natural alternatives but thought someone might. I am currently on Arimidex and am experiencing brain fog/memory issues. I am investigating my options at this point. Maybe eating more phytoestrogens while taking AIs can help supplement with some estrogen which is needed to maintain some modicum of health. It would be good to know if this is being investigated or trialed.

I had no genetic breast cancer links and my Mom and her two sisters had breast cancer. However, through a popular online DNA genetic test company, I found I have several genetic links, albeit not the most prevalent being the BRCA genes. If I knew then what I know now, I would look into ways to help my body detox better and balance hormones, which I believe are at the core of breast cancer issues. Liver detoxification is our body’s cleansing machine. If it isn’t working right, all things go haywire. Prevention is key!

@elizm
I am so relieved for your results. In my cancer support group, one of the subjects we discussed is what is every ache and pain - is it more cancer? It's just normal to think that, but something I guess we have to live with, unfortunately. I thought Evista was used to help build up calcium. I didn't realize it was a replacement for AIs. I've had 4 infusions of Zometa (which I refer to as bone glue) due to the effects of the AIs. I have them every 6 months and have 2 more to go. This stuff is sure getting old fast, right?