Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

I have taken all of the aromatase inhibitors including tamoxifen. My understanding, from every expert I have talked with, is that these drugs, including the one you have been Prescribed, are a critical part of your treatment. There are side effects and everyone reacts differently. For me it was joint pain and skin issues - I'm still struggling with both. The thing you have to weigh is the cancer. I'm assuming that you want to do everything possible to prevent reoccurance. I felt like I couldn't manage the skin issues without getting off the drugs. I started, stopped, switched and tried again - repeatedly. I never completed the entire recommended 5 years. But, I wish I could have. For me the fear of reoccurance seems to still loom large. I had a scare and biopsy last spring. I guess if you trust your oncologist I would listen carefully to his/her recommendation. Wishing you the best and a future cancer free. Maureen

Hi @tinalove, welcome to Connect.
You'll notice that I moved your message into the Breast Cancer group.

Anastrozole belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. You can find out more about them and what to expect here http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20015050 On the list of side effects of anastozole, hair loss is listed as an uncommon side effect.

It would be nice to get a first-hand experience for someone who has taken hormone therapy. I'm tagging @luladavis @maureenkarras and @lecase to see if they will join this discussion.

Maureen wrote a while back about side effects of exemestane, one of the other aromatase inhibitors and Lecase asked about the pros and cons of anastrozole and tamoxifen. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-anyone-speak-to-the-proscons-of-arimidex-vs-tomoxifen-ive-been-on/

Tina, what kind of breast cancer did you have and what treatments? How are you doing?

Has your doc recommended any supplements or exercises?

Has your doc recommended any supplements or exercises?

My hands also hurt but thankfully not all the time. It seems that my legs are affected more many times they just feel tired and it's difficult to climb stairs. Slow and steady wins the race.

I am starting mine now but it seems to keep me from sleeping , so may try it during the day . Has it caused any weight gain for you or any of the other ladies ?😝

After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those that suggested taking this in the evening. First night I woke up at 2 a.m. with drenching sweats and horrific headache. The headache continued through the next day and I was exhausted. Took it the next night before going to sleep and next day I was tired, but didn't get a headache until that evening but it was a small one. The following 3 days have not been bad at all. I do get tired in the afternoon but find I am listening to my body and sit down in the afternoon. I find I am able to get a lot done in the mornings, relax in the afternoon, and then have more energy in the evenings. My hands do tend to hurt and are stiff, but shall take one day at a time and hoping things go okay.

After much trepidation upon reading all about the side effects of anastrozole, I listened to those that suggested taking this in the evening. First night I woke up at 2 a.m. with drenching sweats and horrific headache. The headache continued through the next day and I was exhausted. Took it the next night before going to sleep and next day I was tired, but didn't get a headache until that evening but it was a small one. The following 3 days have not been bad at all. I do get tired in the afternoon but find I am listening to my body and sit down in the afternoon. I find I am able to get a lot done in the mornings, relax in the afternoon, and then have more energy in the evenings. My hands do tend to hurt and are stiff, but shall take one day at a time and hoping things go okay.

I have been on Fermua for 5 weeks and no symptoms yet. Nervous reading about all your symptoms and waiting for the other shoe to drop