Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I have been on Letrozole for 7 weeks with wicked joint pain. My blood work taken yesterdays shows my estradiol levels at 0. Have any of you had your estradiol blood levels checked? AND as a result of those levels, has your oncologist changed/reduced your dosage of letrozole or any other AIs?

@francine6829 I found a chart on breastcancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/comp_chart I have had headaches on anastrozole (Arimidex) but they are starting to subside a bit now as well as nausea. I do take the pill just before going to sleep so maybe that's helpful? But I haven't taken it in the morning so I don't know.

I have seen that chart before. I don't think its very accurate. I am glad the oncologist is letting me off the pill for 2 weeks. I need the break.

@francine6829
I asked my oncologist about why blood levels of estrogen were not tested, and he said that the results were meaningless because it can change several times a day. As to recurrence... AIs are not guarantees... but they have proven to be extremely helpful in preventing recurrence because they block estrogen, and certain cancer cells need estrogen in order to grow. Exercise, losing weight, eating a healthy diet, giving up alcohol, etc. also are helpful in avoiding recurrence. HER2 status can increase recurrence. There are dozens of factors which contribute to risk. Unfortunately, this is not a zero sum game... it's more complex than anyone currently understands. One's oncologist can only give his/her best informed opinion of an individual's case.

I have been off my anastrozole for a month. Side affects are lessening but it has taken awhile. K

When men get prostrate cancer, they check harmone levels. i don't think its meaningless to check. I have zero estrogen now. That is a number in which to judge the effectiveness of the medication. They need studies that demonstrate these pills are worth the side effects. - similar to the oncotype test where they can now test whether or not you would benefit from chemo, and thank goodness that test came back negative for me. One has to weigh their quality of life - this is not about hot flashes

How long were you on anastrozole?

I managed to do it for 2 years. Tired of feeling like an 80 year old at 60.

I applaud you! I’ve been on it for 7 weeks and am ready to quit. Did your oncologist try to put you on another pill?

@francine6829 I am supposed to start aromasin but waiting until after shingle shot and a few more weeks...just had robotic hysterectomy due to type and grade of breast cancer