bone density medication while on anastrozole

Posted by kamra @kamra, Feb 10, 2023

How do you feel about going on medicine for your bones when you are taking anastrozole or similar? My bone density scan showed osteopenia (I'm 67 and small so no surprise). The "neck" score was -2 and that was the worst. The others were fine. I really don't want to go on more medication, but I know that the anastrozole can be hard on bones. What is your experience?

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My bone density dipped 10% the first year and then eased up. With your scores, you might be able to get away with no meds and remain in osteopenia, though your score will most likely dip some. I would talk honestly to your doc.

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@windyshores

My bone density dipped 10% the first year and then eased up. With your scores, you might be able to get away with no meds and remain in osteopenia, though your score will most likely dip some. I would talk honestly to your doc.

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Wow. That's a lot. Are you on medication? Thank you!

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I have switched from Anastrazole to Letrozole and now Tamoxifen due to side effects. My onco wants me to go back to an AI as it is preferred for postmenopausal lobular BC plus take a bone med . The Tamoxifen does not require a bone med as it helps build bone, which is a plus, but it is also has blood clots and uterine cancer as side effects and is not the best med for lobular BC as it has a higher recurrence risk. If I go back to an AI, I will need to take something to prevent further bone loss. I'll have to research all of my options of bone meds before deciding as I know there are injections, infusions, pills, etc. All so difficult as last thing I'd want to do is add another set of symptoms to my growing list. I'm wondering if there is one place to look for comparisons of all the different options. I've also heard once you start the drugs you are supposed to continue, which sounds absurd, but once you stop the bone may be in worse shape than previously....not very easy decisions to be made.

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@mjay

I have switched from Anastrazole to Letrozole and now Tamoxifen due to side effects. My onco wants me to go back to an AI as it is preferred for postmenopausal lobular BC plus take a bone med . The Tamoxifen does not require a bone med as it helps build bone, which is a plus, but it is also has blood clots and uterine cancer as side effects and is not the best med for lobular BC as it has a higher recurrence risk. If I go back to an AI, I will need to take something to prevent further bone loss. I'll have to research all of my options of bone meds before deciding as I know there are injections, infusions, pills, etc. All so difficult as last thing I'd want to do is add another set of symptoms to my growing list. I'm wondering if there is one place to look for comparisons of all the different options. I've also heard once you start the drugs you are supposed to continue, which sounds absurd, but once you stop the bone may be in worse shape than previously....not very easy decisions to be made.

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@kamra and @mjay I already had osteoporosis, which was not mild, when I started my 5 years of letrozole.

For various reasons my endocrinologist did not want me on bone meds and/or I could not tolerate anabolics- all because of some heart rhythm issues. Once I finished my cancer meds, I found out that Tymlos has an adjustable dose and I started with two out of 8 clicks and moved up. I have been on it for 18 months.

I did fracture between letrozole and Tymlos but honestly that was from an extremely unwise movement.

Prolia is the medication that you cannot just stop. I will take something short term to "lock in" my gains on Tymlos and then take a break from meds.

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While on anastrozole i was given Zoledron once a year. I had no side effects and my bone density improved.

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I showed osteopenia for years then on a bone scan it had gone to severe osteoporosis. A lot of research and talking with my niece with same issues I decided to take Algaecal and Strontium boost. A year after taking this with other vitamins and weight bearing exercise I went back to osteopenia . Just saw doc yesterday and I had lot of improvement on bone scan from last September. I am pleased as did not want to take the meds the doc wanted me to take. I want to go as natural as possible as had chemo some years ago and try to treat myself as natural as possible. Ins. does not pay for this supplement but it is worth it for the results.

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My oncologist has me on 400 mg vitamin D and 1200 mg calcium. I take Letrazole

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@windyshores

@kamra and @mjay I already had osteoporosis, which was not mild, when I started my 5 years of letrozole.

For various reasons my endocrinologist did not want me on bone meds and/or I could not tolerate anabolics- all because of some heart rhythm issues. Once I finished my cancer meds, I found out that Tymlos has an adjustable dose and I started with two out of 8 clicks and moved up. I have been on it for 18 months.

I did fracture between letrozole and Tymlos but honestly that was from an extremely unwise movement.

Prolia is the medication that you cannot just stop. I will take something short term to "lock in" my gains on Tymlos and then take a break from meds.

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Oh, gosh. It's overwhelming, isn't it? So much to learn, too. Hope you are doing well now. Thank you.

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@quimbie

I showed osteopenia for years then on a bone scan it had gone to severe osteoporosis. A lot of research and talking with my niece with same issues I decided to take Algaecal and Strontium boost. A year after taking this with other vitamins and weight bearing exercise I went back to osteopenia . Just saw doc yesterday and I had lot of improvement on bone scan from last September. I am pleased as did not want to take the meds the doc wanted me to take. I want to go as natural as possible as had chemo some years ago and try to treat myself as natural as possible. Ins. does not pay for this supplement but it is worth it for the results.

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I've seen ads for algae cal but don't know anything about it. I'm glad you had improvement!

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@amajok

While on anastrozole i was given Zoledron once a year. I had no side effects and my bone density improved.

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Good to know!

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