Letrozole and Cholesterol

Posted by Laurie, Volunteer Mentor @roch, Jul 8, 2019

I have suggestion for anyone who is going to start letrozole. Ask your doctor about having your LIPIDS / Cholesterol tested prior to starting and then again after you have been on Letrozole for a few months. I did not have tested prior, my dr did not mention that letrozole could increase cholesterol. I had always had to watch my cholesterol but never required medication.

A few months after starting letrozole I had cholesterol tested as part routine check up and was surprised how much it had increase from previous test two years ago. How much of increase was due to letrozole vs diet could not tell because did not test prior to starting new medication. I talked to oncologist and primary dr about. Increase cholesterol is a known side effect of letrozole. After reviewing other factors that contribute to cardiac disease (blood pressure, family history, etc…) they both agreed I should stay on Letrozole and I do not have to start cholesterol meds, YEAH ! Did not need a new medication and new set of side effects.

Laurie

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Thanks for posting this info about the relationship between Letrozole and Cholesterol, and the advice to get LIPIDS / Cholesterol tested. I think @francine6829 @tammyp @elsie37 @geronimo1 @trixie1313 @cathyhand @mom23boys and @vivianvance will be interested to read this info.

@roch, how are you managing the increase in cholesterol levels?

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Hi Laurie:

Can you share with us your cholesterol numbers before and after?

Have you tried glucosamine chrondroitin and collagen tablets for various bone pains?

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At 63 my standard stellar cholesterol levels all my life totally flip-flopped after starting on letrozole. Currently, I am trying to change and improve my diet as a side effect of the AI's (or could be low to no estrogen) includes food cravings resulting in a 20 lb weight gain this past 8 months. I discussed this with my primary and will try diet, exercise, and supplements first. I increased my Omega 3 intake to 2 grams per day. I will have my cholesterol checked in 6 months. I'm sure if this is not successful, I will have to consider a statin. Good luck and if you find any success with anything, please let us know.

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@timely

Hi Laurie:

Can you share with us your cholesterol numbers before and after?

Have you tried glucosamine chrondroitin and collagen tablets for various bone pains?

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Flaxseed, oatmeal, and Turkey Tail

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@healinhand

Flaxseed, oatmeal, and Turkey Tail

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I have been on 2-3 g of Turkey Tail since my initial surgery, flaxseed, and other fibers. I'm hoping my numbers improve drastically by October.

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@randy36

I have been on 2-3 g of Turkey Tail since my initial surgery, flaxseed, and other fibers. I'm hoping my numbers improve drastically by October.

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I would like to see the results, please....

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@timely

Hi Laurie:

Can you share with us your cholesterol numbers before and after?

Have you tried glucosamine chrondroitin and collagen tablets for various bone pains?

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Does glucosamine and chrondroitin help with bone pain? What dosage and strength do you take? I walk 5 to 6 miles but at night I often wake up with bone pain.

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I have arthritis in both knees and hands.
I never had any knee pain except very unusually wth a season change.
I have taken Glucosamine 1,500 mg andCondroitin 1,200 for years 2 times a day + 2 capsules of hyaluronic acid (collagen) + Arthro Max NT2 Collagen & ApresFlex 2 capsules.

But, since I have had Covid in October, I have knee and joint pains, finger pain and elbow pain. Not really bad, but when I wake up.
This is one of the effects of Covid as it effects the bones and joints.

I am continuing the above as it does help. I have not even started Lestrolze yet which causes this pain also.

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@healinhand

I would like to see the results, please....

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I will let you know. Since I started my vitamins including the ones mentioned, my aches and pains have improved. Also, starting to exercise again which was told by all help all of these issues. It may be difficult to determine what helps but if I improve, I will be thrilled.

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That’s awesome, I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better!!!!

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