Do aromatase inhibitors (like anastrozole) cause weight gain?

I’m suppose to start it too but do the the benefits outweigh the side effects? Statistics aren’t that high.

@cerwin
Although I do not have fibromyalgia (I do have extensive chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy, however), I went through all the AIs... each presented various problems for me. (I was allergic to Exemestane, had extreme insomnia with Letrozole, and probably had a gzillion adverse side effects with Anastrozole (which I was on for 3 years)). Interestingly, I lost weight with the Anastrozole... around 20 lbs. I now am on a SERM called Evista (raloxifene). I have to take a diuretic with it as it otherwise makes my feet swell up, but the muscle, bone, joint pain is tolerable, and I can sleep.

The thing about these drugs is that each of us reacts differently to them. And often time (like 3-6 months) changes how one reacts. We can share our experiences with you, but they may have nothing to do with your experience. Do keep notes and bring your lists of symptoms and questions to your oncologist and rheumatologist or neurologist (and get them talking to each other...) who will work with you on the issues. It's complicated, as they say.

Wishing you a successful resolution to a sticky wicket!

Cerwin, I believe @elizm @gwinter @buckimom and @trese5524 have fibromyalgia and are or have been taking an aromatase inhibitor. They may be able to share the side effects they experience or symptoms of fibro that may have been intensified.

Sandyrob I started with anastrozole from September last year to Christmas and had vicious headaches, muscle pain the whole gambit, two weeks off went on exemestane and pretty much the same symptoms and was on them from December to February and lastly ion Letrozole and way different symptoms like trigger thumb in both hands and severe stomach issues. I have now been off Letrozole now for a month. My hands are much better the stomach issues have subsided but still have a little bit and I feel great. It is interesting what you do tolerate while on them. I see oncologist next week to determine my next steps. I believe it will be Tamoxifen but I want to know more about it.

I started on Anastrozole 1mg several months ago. I am in a research project through Dr Sideras about effective dosages of Anastrozole. I would contact Dr Sideras’s office and ask about it.
I have severe fibromyalgia and this Rx has intensified my insomnia, chronic muscle/joint pain, fatigue and it’s caused an increase in mood changes (anxiety,depression) on top of those I experienced with fibro each day. 😞

Waiting for results of blood testing of estrogen levels. Praying Anastrozole is working.
Thinking of changing to Letrozole which research shows as causing less side effects.

Anyone out there with fibromyalgia and taking an aromatase inhibitor? What side effects are you experiencing?

bluebird70---I'm curious about the different AI's. Did you have side effects or why the changes? I am supposed to start Anastrozole and am looking at being in a study group.

I actually went on weight watchers and lost what I needed to lose and have maintained it. I have been on all 3 AI’s and now waiting to try Tamoxifen on the 23rd when I meet with the oncologist. So have no idea what that will do for the weight.

@crazydaisy Yep - it's a problem, especially if you're under 5 feet! I didn't do well with anastroze or letrozole and have been on exemestane now for about 1 1/2 years. I find that I need to write down what I eat. Protein for me is 2 poached eggs for breakfast and 3.5 oz of lean meat. Veggies are dark green and I stay away from dressings. My fruit of choice would be apples as some fruits contain a lot of sugar. I've lost 20# since January and have another 40 to go, but it moves slowly. I do walk 2-6 miles a day and also do a core/free weight/stretch cord exercise program twice a week for breast cancer patients. Also - I stay way from sodas and mostly drink lots of water. It goes slow and there can be setbacks, you just need to stay focussed. Hoping you start to see results soon.

Hi Crazydaisy, @riverwatcher asked this same question a while back so I moved your question to the existing discussion about weight gain and anastrozole. @sparklegram @cancersucks @farmgirl1556 @trixie1313 I believe have also experienced the side effect of weight gain with aromatase inhibitors, include anastrozole.

Daisy, have you made any adjustments to diet or activity to help manage the weight gain?

I am on Anastrozole and am gaining a lot of weight. Anyone else?