Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Posted by tinalove @tinalove, Jan 31, 2016

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

sequoia | @sequoia | Jul 8, 2021

In reply to @sequoia "Thank you. I’ll talk w/ my oncologist" + (show)

I had an appointment with a PA that specializes in hormones. I did a consult w/ her. I gave her my history etc. She told me that .<10 was good, but understood me wanting a number. She recommended a Saliva Test. This test gives specific numbers. Of course insurance doesn’t pay for the test. $45 but I think it will be worth it. Not surprising to me - there is no correlation between the blood estrogen test snd the saliva test - so can’t do a comparison 🤷‍♀️ OBTW, I still have not received a call from my oncologist regarding the blood test taken on 6/24/21. That is just not right!

sequoia | @sequoia | Jul 5, 2021

In reply to @jejones "My experience is that they won't tell you any number lower then <10 on either of..." + (show)

Thank you. I’ll talk w/ my oncologist

jejones | @jejones | Jul 5, 2021

In reply to @sequoia "The results in my portal show Estrone (LC/MS/MS). <10 pg/mL Estradiol Ultrasensative (LC/MS/MS). <10 pg/mL I..." + (show)

My experience is that they won't tell you any number lower then <10 on either of these... I found that frustrating, but my oncologist seemed to be satisfied with these numbers. Perhaps you will have better information from your care team.

sequoia | @sequoia | Jul 5, 2021

In reply to @sandyrob "Hello sequoia..... what was the outcome of June 24 test?" + (show)

The results in my portal show
Estrone (LC/MS/MS). <10 pg/mL
Estradiol Ultrasensative (LC/MS/MS). <10 pg/mL
I do not know what these mean and my oncologist hadn’t called me. I need to call him.
Any info from you or others would be helpful. TIA

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 4, 2021

In reply to @omega20 "I have been on anastrozole since 1/4/2021. Some days I do not feel great and have..." + (show)

Hi Omega, Good question about medications for osteoporosis. You might be interested in these related discussions:

- Anyone taking adjuvant bisphosphonates for bone health? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adjuvant-bisphosphonates/

- Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/zometa-infusions/

omega20 | @omega20 | Jun 28, 2021

In reply to @leemiller "I've been taking anastrozole for almost a year, and am cautiously thinking the side effects have..." + (show)

I have been on anastrozole since 1/4/2021. Some days I do not feel great and have a tendency to blame the drug. I am now debating whether to take Reclast, Zomata or Prolia for osteoporosis (left hip lumbar neck). Anyone have info on these?

sequoia | @sequoia | Jun 26, 2021

I haven’t seen results yet. I’m finding it interesting as when I do my yearly bloodwork, I see it almost the same day & and I’m not seeing it hearing anything. I’ll post when I get results. Thanks

sandyrob | @sandyrob | Jun 26, 2021

In reply to @sequoia "Thank you jejones. Blood test scheduled for June 24" + (show)

Hello sequoia..... what was the outcome of June 24 test?

sequoia | @sequoia | Jun 22, 2021

In reply to @mari "i'm blaming Anastrozole on 2 trigger fingers! Had surgery on 1 pointer finger. Lots f PT..." + (show)

I’m sorry you are having these side effects. I’m not having hand or eye issues Yet! How long have you been on it?

mari | @mari | Jun 22, 2021

In reply to @sequoia "I just today saw my oncologist. I had my surgery 8/2019 and have been on Anastrozole..." + (show)

i'm blaming Anastrozole on 2 trigger fingers! Had surgery on 1 pointer finger. Lots f PT - still lots of pain, stiffness. Anyone have Anastrozole affect eye? Eye Dr. says not caused by Anastrozole But! Its like someone took thumb dipped in grey paint and smeared on lower 1/2 of eye. Blurry! Thats' my close up eye! Anyone have eye problems. ? Please tell - I'd rather go off Anastrozole and get breast checked every month then to have these dreadful side effects!