Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@gwinter Good thing your ovaries weren't removed....you'd be in a worse pickle! These things do help: https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/o2-cool-reg-deluxe-necklace-fan/3293693?keyword=neck-fans

@trixie I am taking nothing as far as AI, but had a hysterectomy February this year. Oh boy do I have days and nights! Tried all the special jammies, too! Getting very very old!
Stay safe and keep on baking!! Hugs!

@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!

@trixie are you taking anything for your hot flashes?
Anybody ideas??

@sparklegram I've been on the exemestane for about a month now. Still having some bone pain, but not severe and all over like with the other two AIs. Have a few hot flashes, but nothing like when I had surgical menopause. I do take my pill at night time so that may help alleviate some of the hot flashes, possibly going on while I'm sleeping because I will wake up with sweats. I do get insomnia..go to sleep and wake up 1-2 hours later and can't sleep. I keep my Nook near me so when I can't sleep, I just read for 1 or 2 hours and then fall back to sleep. The fatigue from all three is rough, but I'm dealing better with it from walking and therapeutic water exercise. For me, after trying out all 3 aromatiase inhibitors, the exemestane seems to be tolerable.

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!

Why don’t you try Tamoxifen - less side effects

Yes ive been on arimidex for 3mo my hair has gotten thin but but started biotin and its coming back but its very fine. Its thd extrene exhaustion thats gettibg me down as wrlk as muscle weakness. I was extremely active before and at 70 all my dr. Say i dont act that old nor look that old. Well now i feel like 90 and i have 4.5 years to go. I had hrp1 grade 1 non aggressive all lymph node clean cancer was smaller than a cheerio no chemo no radiation. I wonder if this is realky necessary. All kinds of female issues i didnt have before. Maybe you will be among wonen who have no side affects

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!