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?