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

@mjay
You raise some interesting questions which I don't believe have been addressed in this forum to my knowledge. For those who completed 5-10 years of an AI, did they experience withdrawal symptoms? If so, what were they and for how long? And, did the symptoms of arthralgia experienced while on an AI go away following withdrawal after 5-10 years?

How soon afte AI do symptoms appear? Anyone have info? I am at 2.5 months with so muscle aches especially at night

Thanks for clarifying tamoxifen is usually not recommended for post menopause. It has a different used by the body

Not true. My sister is 71 and has rheumatoid arthritis and has to take tamoxifen. When I had tried all 3 aromatase inhibitors, I was asked to try tamoxifen. My oncologist says it isnt as strong but will work the same. At one time, everyone took it.

Mine was in the first couple of weeks. For some it starts to subside by the second month. Mine didnt, but many have hardly any after a while.

@jeaniebean Thank you for posting this response. My experience is similar to yours. Having tried 3 of the other AI's, I was finally given Tamoxifen.

@mjay @elizm, you may be interested in this discussion:
- Completed 5 years of anastrozole. Withdrawal symptoms? Side effects? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stopping-anastrozole-after-5-years-withdrawal-symptoms/

Thanks gives hope

I’ve had many MANY different symptoms. A few started right away. Some have subsided enough to deal with but others continue and are getting worse. I have taken each symptom as it has come and tried to take measures to get relief from each. Have you tried epsom salt baths. Try a long soak about an hour or so before bedtime. Make it relaxing and comfortable, soothing music, a towel behind your head, whatever works for you. Maybe some slow deep stretches of the muscles that bother you the most. Best of luck to you! We all have a hard road to travel so take care of yourself. We are here to vent and support one another.

What time of day do you take your AI? I started seeing symptoms about 6 weeks after taking Letrozole. Muscle aches in my arms and joint pain in my hands and lower back. I first tried taking it at night, but have switched to the AM and the night pains are much better. My worst side effect is the uro-gyno atrophy (drying and thinning of vaginal and urinary tract tissue). I had 3 major urinary tract infections in four months and very painful intercourse. Have tried the Bonafide vaginal inserts, but not very helpful. I have found that staying active (walking 2-3 miles in the neighborhood 3-4 times per week), stretching and yoga, and staying hydrated have helped tremendously with the stiffness and back pain. Still have some mild hot flashes, but not as bad as menopause (I'm 64 now). I have been on letrozole about 15 months and plan to continue if the side effects stay status quo.
Also for those with brain fog, have you had your thyroid, D3, and/or B12 levels checked? A year before my BC diagnosis, I was having terrible brain fog, digestion issues, and neuropathy in my right leg. Finally went to the doctor and found I was very low on both vitamin levels and was hypothyroid. Once I started taking D3 and B12, my brain fog lifted and I was back to my old self. I started on probiotics and changed my diet to gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free and my digestion issues and thyroid levels are better, plus I lost 45 lbs! Definitely worth checking into!