Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Hi Lisman 1408. I too am having serious memory issues with anazatrozole. Can you please share the links to the info you found?

I was starting to think I was only one with the vaginitis side effect!
Atrophic vulvovaginitis...gradually got worse over the 5 years on Anastrozole. I Consulted with GYN and confirmed ok by Oncology to treat with estradiol 10mcg (Vagifem) with good results past 2 weeks.
I too am considered low risk for reoccurrence (stage 1 ER+ right and DCIS stage 0 left 2014). I should add that Osteoporosis did worsen while on Anastrozole for which I’m now treated with Prolia injections.
Coping with worry about reoccurring cancer with yoga and meditation with fair success. Best of luck to you and thanks so much for sharing your story 💕

The worst side effect for me on both Anastrozole and Tomoxifin was brain fog, memory issues. After some research, I have found much information about estrogen playing a role in cognitive functioning. I feared I was heading into dementia. After stopping those drugs, my cognitive abilities have returned to normal.

Your hair will come back once treatment is done they say

This is just slightly off topic but I had to share...........I had Stage 1 Lobular BC, no lymph node involvement and low risk of recurrence BUT I wanted to try the AI's and tried them all. I couldn't tolerate any of them due to the usual side effects and some relatively serious. I had my hormone levels checked by my oncologist multiple times and my levels of Estrogen were low (ER positive BC for me). Here's the next saga......I have been having some vaginal atrophy over the past few years and it finally became so bad that I had to start using vaginal estrogen. I have worked so hard to reduce my estrogen so my breast cancer won't recur (a goal we all share in a big way) and although this cream is low dose and doing the trick for me, I'm feeling all sorry for myself because it seems the hormone woes just never end. Sigh.....

Just wanted to let everyone in the Breast Cancer group know that this week's Mayo Clinic Connect member spotlight highlights a member who has been active in this discussion and often supports others in the group. Get to know more about @cindylb, her Connect experiences and how getting support from all of you helps. Get a glimpse of Cindy and what she enjoys offline, too.

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What side effects ?

Francine6829, sooooo pleased for you that Tomoxifin is working!!! I was on Tomoxifin for a few months and the side effects were better than when I was on Anastrozole, but I still had some nasty side effects. My oncologist has let me be on a break from meds for a few months as my cancer was a very slow growing type. It’s been heaven to have the break!! But I’m supposed to go back on Tomoxifin when I see her at my next appointment in late September. Not looking forward to it!

Oh, you are not alone! Almost 2.5 years on this drug and anxiety & depression are significant side effects... you begin to feel like "why can't I just pull it together?" but it is very real. Not sleeping soundly doesn't help either. I try to meditate but I'm not that good at it. I also use an essential oil diffuser at home and find that some of the anti-anxiety blends help a little. Worth a try and diffusers are inexpensive. All the best to you.

❤️ your comments about wreaking havoc with your emotions! This has been my story as well! I am hopeful the anxiety issues will stop once I’m off Anastrozole....awaiting Oncology appointment next week to discuss. I have been on drug for 5 years (but who’s counting?)