Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Interesting. I wonder why the differing opinions.

Anastrozole seems to be the drug of choice in Australia for estrogen-fed breast cancers. My general practioner, breast surgeon and oncologist - all females - agreed on that. Of course I have only anecdotal evidence.

I was speaking with a nurse yesterday and she told me that the first AI that they give to breast cancer patients in the UK is Exemestane because so many women have so many side effects with Anastrozole. Does anyone know the reason many of us in the U.S. are given Anastrozole first? I had awful side effects with it, so I opted to not take it then 4 years later I got another primary breast cancer in the other breast. I was 74 when I decided not to take the Anastrozole and I thought what would be the chance that I would get another cancer in the next 10 years.
I just had a Dexa scan and next week I will find out if I should take Exemestane or not. I have osteopenia and I have had a L3 fracture from just pulling myself out of bed after a painful knee replacement. So, I am concerned if they tell me I should take the medication and I am concerned if they tell me I shouldn't take the medication.

I switched two months ago and only took a week in between. I was concerned about the estrogen so didn’t want to go to long without it.

@tparkhurst, it is so hard to deal with the side effects. Sorry to hear of your struggles and not even recognizing yourself anymore. When did you make the switch to letrozole? Did you have a break between aromotase inhibitors?

I started in October of 2023. I haven't yet found anything that helps with the side effects. I'm hoping they will get better eventually.

Welcome, @karenB76. Have you only recently started on exemestane and goserelin (Zoladex)? What is helping you to manage the side effects?

I pray you get some relief. It’s awful it really is. I never felt this way going thru menopause. I go back to my oncologist Friday so I’m hoping he starts me on something I can’t live with. I’ve had other ladies to ask about adjusting the milligrams or taking a day or two off if your dr approved it’s maybe you can check on that. Praying you get relief soon friend. I’m always here if you need to talk.

I agree. I’m struggling so bad. Joint pain. Hair loss. Hurt all over. Brain fog is horrible. Emotions. I don’t even recognize who I am anymore. They switched me to letrizole and I am not seeing much different at all. It’s horrible to have to just live this way.

Thank you for this idea. I will mention it to my oncologist. I’m willing to try anything.