Alterantive Natural aromatase Inhibitors

Posted by lemony @lemony, Jun 21, 2023

I would appreciate any specific protocols some of you might be invested in using natural supplements, etc replacing synthetic AI's. I was on either Arimidex or Exemestane for 18 mos and can no longer tolerate. I've lost 15% bon mass in that time frame in my hips and lower spine. I have arthritis in my hands now where there was none, critical short term memory, mood disturbances, anxiety & depression.
I would appreciate any information. I'm currently taking fistsful of natural supplements but really don't know what I'm doing. Have an appt scheduled with an MD/Naturopath but its not for several weeks yet. Thanks for your help in advance!

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frogjumper | @frogjumper | Jun 21, 2023

From what I understand DIM is one of them but there are others, I don't know anything about them other than DIM. I'd be interested in knowing what you find out because DIM has some side affects for me, mostly brain fog and headache.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dim-supplement

windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 21, 2023

@lemony my question is, if natural AI's are effective, doesn't that mean they are suppressing estrogen in a way that is similar to the meds, and wouldn't the side effects be the same?

Put another way , without the reduction of estrogen below detectable levels, would the natural AI's have any effectiveness?

pbnew | @pbnew | Jun 22, 2023

Also interested in this topic. Would like to hear what your Naturopath has to say.

resort | @resort | Jun 22, 2023

Have you researched Melatonin ?

resina | @resina | Jun 23, 2023

In reply to @resort "Have you researched Melatonin ?" + (show)

I’d love to be to hear more about Melatonin as if anyone has experience with taking it regularly!

windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 23, 2023

In reply to @resina "I’d love to be to hear more about Melatonin as if anyone has experience with taking..." + (show)

There seems to be a lack of studies on longer term regular use of melatonin and info on its use with cancer is conflicting, online.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/melatonin-side-effects/faq-20057874 side effects, which may increase with longer term use

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know mentions cancer

but https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/6307d5_563b0beffa754b8199a4ba5197a97ff2.pdf naturopath websites mention melatonin for cancer and to help with cancer treatment side effects; one site referred readers to this study

nadejda | @nadejda | Jun 23, 2023

Mushrooms aromatase inhibitors:
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/12/3288/4686305

windyshores | @windyshores | Jun 23, 2023

Again, if mushrooms inhibit aromatase, and estrogen is suppressed, wouldn't the side effects be the same as pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors? Side effects are from the suppression of estrogen as I understand it and as my docs explained.

resina | @resina | Jun 23, 2023

In reply to @windyshores "There seems to be a lack of studies on longer term regular use of melatonin and..." + (show)

Thanks so much! Very kind of you to pass that on. Will read up. I am on Xeloda but had a toxic reaction to it on the first round, now 5 weeks in recovery for my liver and kidneys. Then they will try a 20% lower dose. Our bodies do get a beating, don’t they….