Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole
I completed all treatments for breast cancer but now I am supposed to take hormone blocker, named anastrozole. im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss?
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I have been on anastrozole for 20 months and I have the same similar experience! My hot flashes are still going on but coping! I am 76 and hoping it is only recommended for 5 years.
It is not our imagination!
I can identify with what you write and at present am in a similar position. I too am trying to be positive and forge ahead, I too feel ‘ changed’ but am hopeful things will level out in time. Best wishes.
I have been on a Anastrozole for 6 months. Very tired the first couple months and a few hot flashes. Now I am less tired but have some mild joint pain. I have experienced low mood and anxiety and started taking Buspirone which has helped. I have always been upbeat and positive and the low mood has been challenging….I don’t feel like I am the same person. I’m determined to stay on it as it brings my chance of recurrence down to 8% for the next 10 years. Has anyone else experienced a change in mood or depression since starting anastrozole. Did it get better over time? Thanks to anyone that can share their experience!
Yes I really feel the ‘feeling heard’ comment you make - I think this is so important and find the comments on this site are genuinely helpful, not just a case of people ‘having a moan’.
I so agree with you. This is not one size fits all drug. I filed a report with the FDA (Federal Drug Association) and brought information to my oncologist including the CVS list of side effects. Can you believe I didn't even bother to read it when first prescribed it? It took one year for me to realize it was the drug causing all or many issues ( left leg just letting go causing a bad fall and broken shoulder, eye tooth shattering, etc.) This drug does save lives, I know women who haven't had a problem but much more help is needed for those of us who try to tell our doctors we are having problems. I am so grateful for this board. It was a godsend to me. When I found it I felt heard and that I wasn't imagining my problems. I was not alone. I hope you are well and feeling much better, take care
I am fully with you the way the possible side effects of theses AIs are underplayed. I am currently part of a research study in UK ( Roseta) looking at peoples experiences and compliance with treatment. I am emphasising in my feedback how the side effects some ( admittedly not all) women will experience are played down and the impact theses drugs can have on both mental health and physical function.
so hope you are feeling better. I also had and have terrible side effects and six months in still have some. I asked about side effects and was told "well, maybe a few hot flashes" ya right!
more must be done to spread the word and help all women make good and safe choices and stop the suffering.
I've completed breast surgery as well and I have been taking anastrazole for about 7 weeks and I have pelvic pain ,joint pain and painful sex..is anyone else experiencing these symptoms?
My oncologist suggested Minoxidil - topical. I am using it and it has been pretty good - I can see new hair growth.
Yes I experienced hair loss after 6 months of taking Anastrozole. It’s now almost 2 years on it and still experiencing hair loss.
What can I do to stop hair loss?
Thanks