Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

There is BRHT (bio identical replacement hormone therapy) that is made from plants versus synthetic hormones (pharmaceuticals). In Suzanne Somers book AGELESS she explains this along with a list of doctors, professionals who have done studies/work with women in this phase of our lives. It starts out with requesting a blood or saliva test which gives information on your specific hormone levels and what suggestions as to how to replace the loss of estrogen and progesterone. I am searching this area for myself in post menopause and looking for a doctor that can work with me on this.

@gwinter I underwent surgical menopause at age 44 (removal of uterus and ovaries). It was brutal. At that time they gave us estrogen pills twice daily which helped immensely but then the Women's Health Study came out and that was stopped. I think back then my Gynecologist gave me some sort of psych pill for a short time, but I don't remember the name. I do take my aromatase inhibitors at night and will awaken with sweats, but daytime hot flashes are minimal then. They tend to start about an hour after I take my pill. I stay away from alcohol as that tends to start them off more. I've also upped my exercise doing water time and a lot of walking. I think staying active helps a lot. With the fire here in northern California, I have both of my kids' families and animals living with us so am doing a LOT of cooking and baking and having huge hot flashes...I have one of those little fans that hand around your neck and it helps immensely!

If you're online right now, please hop over to see this live presentation by Dr. Dawn Mussallem, a diagnostic breast specialist, on achieving optimal well-being through diet, exercise, and stress management, followed by a Q&A session for which Dr. Mussallem will be joined by these specialists:

– Kristin Lothman, MSW, LCSW, Mind-Body Counselor
– Dr. Raul Rosario Concepcion, Physical Medicine and Cancer Prehabilitation
– Debra Silverman, MS, RDN, LD/N, Integrative Cancer Nutritionist

Click this link to watch live or to see the archive any time: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-breast-cancer-survivorship-care-planning/

I will start on Exemestane tomorrow - let me know how long it takes for the joint pain to ease. I'll be counting the days too! I want to take for the full 5 years too - but side effects really affect my quality of life. Hoping this new drug works better for me.

bressie, i was on Arimidex for almost 2 years. I quit a week ago because I simply can't take the side effects. My doctor has prescribed Exemestane. I'm hoping I can tolerate it better than the other. Like you, I'm in my 70's (I just turned 75) and quality of life is important! I will continue taking the meds for the 5 years. i don't want a recurrence, so...fingers crossed!

Next year in August. I'm 64 now. The ACA was the only insurance I could get - Medica in Nebraska. Glad it exists though otherwise none at all. It said the retail price of the drug was: 687.99 I hope when I get to January, I do not have to pay that amount.

Kathy, that's horrible! It shouldn't be this way. Does anyone know of a way to avoid these kinds of prices? (besides joining Kaiser!) Kathy, do you have Medicare?

Exemestane was $101.00 for 30 days (after I had met my deductible) for me.

Bressie, I'm happy to stay in touch. I started the exemestane on Monday October 28th, 2019 so it's too soon to tell about side effects. With my Kaiser insurance I always pay $5.00 per RX of any pills. Yes! It helps to chat with other "old gals"!