Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

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.

@traci999 alternate days was immediately offered to me by my oncologist and is apparently quite common. I am still not sure why side effects would be better if it works to suppress estrogen, but my doc did suggest it. I stayed with the full dose but it was always an option to skip a day between pills.

I meet with my oncologist next Friday to discuss my options. I never thought of that so thanks I will ask.

Can you ask for a lower dose? The half life is 50 hours. Maybe every other c day?