Aromatase VS estrogen blocking supplements

@marikel
Give it a try. My ER+ is almost 100%. I took anastrozole for about 8 months then switched to exemestane. Everything seemed fine until I had prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. I suffered pretty bad petechiea and had to switch to Letrozole. It gave me terrible migraines. So I went back to exemestane, ramping up from half dose daily to full dose every other day. Now I’m taking full dose everyday. I have about another year to go. Then I’ll stop like @trixie1313. Hello Trixie!
Give it a try. Switch back and forth like me until you get to 5 years. Wish you all the best.

@myoga Good questions, and unfortunately I don't have the medical expertise to know the exact answers. But I will do some research and see if I can find something worth sharing. I think what you say here is correct--"Is it because the test can not detect any estrogen levels below 10." The five years is standard, although some women go for ten years. When I hit five years my oncologist said we'd decide on whether or not to continue--based in part upon bone density. But that is probably a question for your doctor. I hope to add more here. and that others can weigh in as well.

@tullynut
I have taken Letrozole for 4 years with no side effects.

@marikel I was scared to take the AI’s too! But I have been taking Letrozole since October with very little problems. And it gives me such peace of mind knowing I’m taking away the cancer’s “food”! Please try them! You may be pleasantly surprised like me!

There are supplements available that make all sorts of claims. Those claims are not always based on legitimate scientific studies.

The NIH and Elsevier Science Direct peer reviewed studies I have read all assay formal studies on the most common supplements. These supplements show some reduction in estrogen. The reduction in estrogen is not significant enough to reduce the risk of PR+ (progesterone positive) breast cancers. Our bodies make progesterone (in fat tissue and bone, for example) which is then naturally converted to estrogen. This is the process that aromatase inhibitors (AIs) disrupt. Simply reducing small amounts of estrogen in our bodies using over the counter supplements doesn’t disrupt the production of progesterone. I am over-simplifying some of this. The point is that it’s more complicated than just grabbing an OTC product at your local pharmacy.

Cancer cells that utilize estrogen to proliferate cannot survive without the hormone. AIs are currently the best option to reduce the risk of recurrence. The combination of chemo, radiation and AIs is the best, currently available treatment.

Cancer treatment is very difficult but it’s also effective. Sure, most of us would like to have less difficult treatments. But we also want to reduce the risk of recurrence.

I believe modern cancer treatment is miraculous. It’s by no means perfect or easy. We have choices. But, please— make informed decisions based on science. Consult with your cancer team. Don’t believe predatory marketing that profits off fear. Check it out by looking up scientific, peer reviewed research.

@mir123
This is an example of where to find information.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8801368/
The National Institutes of Health NIH.gov has articles on AIs vs supplements and any other information patients need. It’s essential for helping people make informed decisions.

@dmr4ever Thank you!