I am also a very small woman, 5’2, 105 lbs. I took Anastrozole for about 5 months. It appeared that I had an allergic reaction to the Anastrozole. I broke out in severe hives that wouldn’t go away and I needed to be put on course of steroids for relief. My oncologist started me on tamoxifen,10 mg. after the hives cleared up with the cortisone. My pills are also 20 mg. and I cut them in half with a pill cutter.

But even worst than hives, with both medications I’ve had some nasty memory loss and cognitive function issues. After some research, I have found many scholarly medical research articles concerning cognitive function/memory loss as a result of estrogen reducing medications. I spoke to my oncologist about these side effects at my last appt. in early May. She took me off all estrogen lowering meds to see how I would be affected. It’s a night and day difference!! I am certain my memory loss was due to the Anastrozole and then also when she put me on Tomoxifin. For me, Estrogen does seem play a role in cognitive ability. My husband, friends, and co-workers now say I’m pretty much back to my old self again. I see my oncologist, next week for a routine visit. We’ll see where we go from there. But I really don’t want to go back on meds. that cause me to not be able to think straight!

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