Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

@karendb Karen - if you haven't gone to a cancer or breast cancer support group in your area, they are really helpful. The first one I went to, the ladies in the breast cancer support group wanted to stay in the same spot and not move on with their feelings so I found another general cancer support group that is more positive and we can share information and find it a welcoming place.

Thanx trixie1313. Good, healthy karma to you!

@karenb I went through the gamut as well. Was started on anastrozole and couldn't handle the side effects similar to what you are experiencing plus head-splitting headaches 24/7. Took a 3-week break and then went on letrozole. Still side effects, but no headaches, dizziness, or brain flog. If one doesn't work, maybe speak with your oncologist and see about a change. All the best to you.

Hi tinalove. I have run the gamut too, lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and am now on anastrozole. I've been on it since March 2, 2019. I have some side effects, trouble falling asleep, dizziness, aches in my joints and brain fog. However awful this seems, it is totally manageable and considering the other option, I will take this dam little pill for the next five years! Good luck to you.

Re: CDB oil, I use a topical product called Deep Relief from cleancoconut.com. It has CBD hemp oil, no THC, lavender oil and coconut oil. It is not sticky and is the only topical that has helped me with burning nerve pain at the skin level (armpit & upper arm) from a nerve being nicked during surgery. If you suffer from this type of pain, it is definitely worth a try. I have also used it on occasion to soothe lower back pain. Good luck.

@gails
I would recommend that you discuss this with your oncologist before taking any supplements, and especially something which contains progestin (progesterone). Do you know your Progesterone Receptor status? I would imagine that it would be an important part of the discussion.

As to being concerned about the side effects of anastrozole before starting it, you might want to wait and see how you react to it. Not everyone has side effects from it; some side effects are quite manageable; some even go away after a year or so, as your body adjusts to it. Keep the faith, and always keep your oncologist in the ongoing, multi-year dialogue!

I also am suppose to start taking the same hormone blocker anastrozole and am concerned about the side effects as well. I researched natural ways and am definitely interested in them. Although I don’t know of anyone who has declined doctors recommendation and tried them. I would like feedback from anyone who has. The simple ones I am incorporating already. Such as specific foods, vitamins , such as magnesium, zinc, B6 and grape seed extract. The one I haven’t started is natural progestin cream. It is suppose to decrease estrogen as anastrozole would. Please any feedback would be appreciated.

@dmgweiss
I, too, have experienced sleep changes like yours. I am conflicted as to the cause, however. An after-effect of chemo? Cutting back on caffeine? New supplements? My whole person is physiologically different from the one I knew pre-BC....

Thank you! Maybe it is a SE.

@dmgweiss I only took for 3 weeks but the second time I tried it, the fog was heavy. I woke up slow and the fog stayed with most mornings.....
Good luck!