1. < Breast Cancer

Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Posted by tinalove @tinalove, Jan 31, 2016

I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss?

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Aug 11, 2019
In reply to @gwinter "@kathyomaha55 I began exemestane no muscle or bone problems at all. But my blood pressure took..." + (show)
@gwinter

@kathyomaha55 I began exemestane no muscle or bone problems at all. But my blood pressure took off. I was on 3 weeks only.

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@gwinter I'm sorry that you had BP elevation. I'll be sure to keep an eye on mine when I start. But must have been nice for no bone aches..ugh...makes me feel 50 years older! What are they putting you on next?

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1 reply
gwinter | @gwinter | Aug 11, 2019
In reply to @trixie1313 "@gwinter I'm sorry that you had BP elevation. I'll be sure to keep an eye on..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@gwinter I'm sorry that you had BP elevation. I'll be sure to keep an eye on mine when I start. But must have been nice for no bone aches..ugh...makes me feel 50 years older! What are they putting you on next?

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@kathyomaha55 believe it or not NOTHING! New oncologist

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Aug 11, 2019

gwinter - why is your oncologist not putting you on a new medication to prevent the cancer from returning?

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sparklegram | @sparklegram | Aug 11, 2019
In reply to @francine6829 "gwinter - why is your oncologist not putting you on a new medication to prevent the..." + (show)
@francine6829

gwinter - why is your oncologist not putting you on a new medication to prevent the cancer from returning?

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I wondered that, too, Francine.

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newgranny | @newgranny | Aug 12, 2019
In reply to @cautiousoptimism "I have been taking arimidex for 8 months since dx of lobular carcinoma. I have many..." + (show)
@cautiousoptimism

I have been taking arimidex for 8 months since dx of lobular carcinoma. I have many side effects, including hair thinning. Has anyone else experienced this? Will I eventually lose it all?

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I’ve been on Arimidex (aka Anastrozole) 5 yrs and hair loss is issue for me. There is plenty of regrowth and did not lose it all! The quality of my hair changed overall. It’s very thin where parted. Good beautician with cuts and style has helped me feel better.
Yoga & exercise helped for joint pains.

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2 replies
virginiae | @virginiae | Aug 12, 2019
In reply to @newgranny "I’ve been on Arimidex (aka Anastrozole) 5 yrs and hair loss is issue for me. There..." + (show)
@newgranny

I’ve been on Arimidex (aka Anastrozole) 5 yrs and hair loss is issue for me. There is plenty of regrowth and did not lose it all! The quality of my hair changed overall. It’s very thin where parted. Good beautician with cuts and style has helped me feel better.
Yoga & exercise helped for joint pains.

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Thank you for this @newgranny ! Encouraging to hear someone is out there getting some regrowth. Feels so vain to be worried about hair, but it's upsetting to lose it to chemo, get it all back, and then start losing it again. Take care.

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Aug 12, 2019
In reply to @newgranny "I’ve been on Arimidex (aka Anastrozole) 5 yrs and hair loss is issue for me. There..." + (show)
@newgranny

I’ve been on Arimidex (aka Anastrozole) 5 yrs and hair loss is issue for me. There is plenty of regrowth and did not lose it all! The quality of my hair changed overall. It’s very thin where parted. Good beautician with cuts and style has helped me feel better.
Yoga & exercise helped for joint pains.

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My Dr. suggested Rogaine for bald spots on the scalp. You need to take it for about 4 months to see if it works though.

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francine6829 | @francine6829 | Aug 19, 2019

Has anyone tried going on a gluten free diet to reduce the joint inflammation in their body? I just started 3 days ago to give it a try.

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newgranny | @newgranny | Aug 20, 2019
In reply to @teege1 "I've been on anastrozole for 5 months and so far my only major symptom has been..." + (show)
@teege1

I've been on anastrozole for 5 months and so far my only major symptom has been insomnia. I am up to an average of 5 hours sleep a night at this point. I am also having chronic mild headaches but not sure if that is related to my chronic migraines or the anestrozole. I will see my neurologist in Sept and discuss with him. I did lose some of my hair after my first surgery (8 hours) but that has pretty much stopped now. I had IDC, Mucinous type, 2 tumors, Stage 1 and Stage 2. I elected for bilateral mastectomy with natural reconstruction using my own fatty tissue. I am the most blessed woman as I did not need Chemo or radiation but anestrozole is wreaking havoc with my emotions and depression. Good luck and blessings to you.

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❤️ your comments about wreaking havoc with your emotions! This has been my story as well! I am hopeful the anxiety issues will stop once I’m off Anastrozole....awaiting Oncology appointment next week to discuss. I have been on drug for 5 years (but who’s counting?)

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1 reply
virginiae | @virginiae | Aug 20, 2019
In reply to @newgranny "❤️ your comments about wreaking havoc with your emotions! This has been my story as well!..." + (show)
@newgranny

❤️ your comments about wreaking havoc with your emotions! This has been my story as well! I am hopeful the anxiety issues will stop once I’m off Anastrozole....awaiting Oncology appointment next week to discuss. I have been on drug for 5 years (but who’s counting?)

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Oh, you are not alone! Almost 2.5 years on this drug and anxiety & depression are significant side effects... you begin to feel like "why can't I just pull it together?" but it is very real. Not sleeping soundly doesn't help either. I try to meditate but I'm not that good at it. I also use an essential oil diffuser at home and find that some of the anti-anxiety blends help a little. Worth a try and diffusers are inexpensive. All the best to you.

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