Anastrozole...has anyone had an increase in glucose or cholesterol

I am on anastrozole, after about 8 months on it my LDL went up 50 points. I since have modified my diet to more plant based and it went back down. I am continuing on the plant based diet and we will see in December if it went down more. A good book on plant based foods for people with breast cancer is, “How Not To Die” by Michael Gregor, MD., FACLM. I also find if I cut way down on salt and pretty much eliminate dairy types of food, I get less aches and pain in my joints. Although I feel I am lucky because my side effects are not bad. Good luck to all!

@sandyjr, You should also check out this post by @roch. She writes about letrozole and cholesterol. Letrozole is another aromatase inhibitor, similar to anastrozole.
- Letrozole and Cholesterol https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/letrozole-and-cholesterol/

Healthy Hello's;
Will reconnect at a later date.
COHope
Stage 2 Breast
Yes, Anastrozole 1 ml
6 months LDL, A1C and some other side effects.
Next few weeks, specialist appointment.

sandyjr @sandyjr

Yes, this medicine may increase your cholesterol or fat in the blood.

Like has been stated, noone want to have to add another medicine to contract side effects of a drug. In my case, I checked with my PCP and did some risk calculations and did not have to go on cholesterol meds. I ended up going off AIs for other reasons and chol dropped back down.

Discuss with PCP and/or oncologist about your other health conditions and other alternatives.

Laurie

Mine has gone up as well. Trying to exercise and eat plant based foods as well. I am also drinking green tea. I found these chips called from the ground up sea salt cauliflower. Better than eating potatoes chips I think. I’m a peanut butter and jelly kinda girl. Need to make sure we get enough exercise. I try to ride my stand alone bicycle for 10 minutes a day and walk as much possible at work.
Mine as been stable up a little put doc doesn’t think I need medicine yet.

I am more susceptible to the effects of bad eating is what I observe. In other words, I can't get away with anything LOL. They tell you to eat plant based, but they don't always tell you why. I am not a fan of meat in general, so that part was pretty easy. However, I am a milk addict and that has served me well when it comes to bone health. I was already on a statin (Crestor 5 mg daily), so my cholesterol isn't a problem. Glucose has gone up, and my blood pressure is hard to control. I've always been of the attitude, whatever is a side effect I will live with it (as a Stage IIIC survivor). I turned into an old lady almost overnight, but at least I'm getting older.

You’re right on that at least we are getting old. We can beat this breast cancer. We can sit tight with hormone therapy pills and thank the lord we are still here to tell our journey. I feel as long anastrozole is working I will keep pushing through the little side effects I have.

Can you tell us the other reasons you went off AI's?
Judy

phonso | @phonso

I stopped AIs due to cognitive changes. I could not concentrate, felt like a zombie. It also increased my depression.

Before stopping, I had discussion with oncologist about recurrence rate. I had stage 2, a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. The change in recurrence rate was minimal. I weight the risk vs side effects and decided not to continue on AIs. If cancer comes back, will treat again. I am 5 years out from diagnosis.

In contrast, my sister had stage 0, and her treatment was a lumpectomy. Her provider is insistent she stays on AIs because she did not have chemo or radiation. She is prescribed another med to help with her side effects.

I did genetic testing and have no genes known to increase my chances of cancer.

Everyone has to make own decision on AIs based on their individual situation and should always discussed any changes in medication with the provider.

Hi, after a few months on Anastrozole my cholesterol, A1C, and blood pressure went up (in addition to other side effects such as weight gain, finger stiffness, etc.) I don't eat dairy products, red meat, or greasy foods. I exercise at least 4 days/week. Still can't get my cholesterol down. I'm on Exemestane now, but I don't expect the side effects to get better due to low estrogen. Love the idea of getting older. Wish you all well. Hugs.