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Letrozole and checking estrogen levels
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Aug 8 5:47pm | Replies (93)Comment receiving replies
I was on Anastrozole and I posed this exact question to my Ex-Oncologist. Found another, but he could not answer either. Prior to my surgery or even prior to staring AI, no test was performed that would give a baseline of my estrogen level. When I inquired with my oncologist ‘how do you k ie this AI is working, as you do not have a baseline comparison. He said ‘we just take it for granted’. 😱. That is not the right answer from a doctor from my pint of view. He flippantly said he could do an estrogen test. All the results of that test said <10. 🤷♀️ He said that’s good. My thinking is maybe it was already less than 10. I went to a Women’s clinics and paid for an estrogen test of estradiol and another I can’t remember, but due to the fact there are standard test comparisons could not be done.
You would Think the Estrogen level would be an important indicator since that is what the AI is ‘suppose’ to be working on. As of this date I’ve not received good info to my satisfaction.
Replies to "I was on Anastrozole and I posed this exact question to my Ex-Oncologist. Found another, but..."
I too was put on Femara AI, and have been asking for a baseline estrogen test which neither the Oncologist nor Gynocologist was finding necessary to do. The GYN told me not to bother because "finding out the results would drive me nuts!" She said just take the AI and don't ask questions! The Oncologist thought it might be a good idea but never actually bothered to order the bloodwork.
I finally out of personal interest got my GP to do a blood test for estrogen levels and Vitamin/Minerals etc. So that I know for myself what's going on.
My Estradiol score is 18 pmol/l. which is already extremely low for postmenopausal. I talked to my GYN again and she says, take the AI anyway!
Really don't get their logic, considering the after effects of AI are not to be understimated. Yes, they reduce the risk of cancer return, but it also increases cholesterol which could lead to heart issues and decreased bone density leading to osteoporosis. I already have all the symptoms of low estrogen. Should I really be decreasing it to what? Below 0?
I'm not convinced with the plan, if they don't explain to me why they have no interest in knowing from what level estrogen they start treatment, and to what level they aim to go. It's just "shut up and take the AI for 5 years"
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I too inquired about having a baseline estrogen level before starting AI. I was told by oncologist that it isn’t necessary because the AI result they are looking for can’t be measured. AI blocks estradiol from converting to estrogen. But I still don’t understand why this ( baseline /change) cannot be measured.