Concerned about the side effects of anastrozole

Always scary stuff to read when your journey taking a hormone blocker is just beginning. I’m a newbie taking Anastrozole (10 days in), so at this point I’m trying not to anticipate too much so I don’t make myself crazy in the process. I have my first bloodwork & followup on March 23rd, so until then I’m trying not to let it get into my head too much.
Thoughts and prayers to all those on their journey as well. 🙏💕

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I know you've read the many comments but just to reiterate for anyone else new to anastrozole, I'd make sure to have a DEXA scan (to monitor any subsequent changes in bone density) and cardiac workup (to monitor cholesterol). That way you have recent baseline numbers to compare any changes. And the tips elsewhere to stave off osteoporosis on those threads are great. You can offset some of the side effects while deriving the benefits from the aromatase inhibitor. And ditto on the thoughts and prayers for all of us on this unchosen journey.

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My oncologist and I had a detailed conversation about concerns with taking Anastrozole, 6 weeks before I started the drug. (I had to finish radiation treatments first). Fortunately for me I have already been taking Calcium and D3 for several years and have had 2 DEXA scans prior to be being diagnosed, so the baseline was there. (I have osteopenia). I also started taking Collagen 3 months prior to starting the drug to help strengthen my hair. I also have been taking a cholesterol drug for about 18 months prior to diagnosis (mine is high genetically); and one final note, I already have a low WBC and have had it for at least 15 years, so my oncologist told me that since I've been checked for abnormalities and leukemia in the past and all my tests were negative, that I am just one of those people for whom a low WBC is 'my normal'.
Having prefaced all these areas for which I had concerns, I had my first month blood review and all my bloodwork was normal. I also have had no side effects to speak of, and my hair stylists told me just this week that I have new hair growth in my part (Go Collagen!). Fingers crossed that all the supplements I already had built up in the my system beforehand, with the addition of Collagen only, have helped to prevent sore joints, hair thinning, a lower white count, high cholesterol - all things that concerned me initially. Of course I'm only one month in and I have 4 years and 11 months to go - lol - but so far, so good. I also hope that adding some weight bearing exercises to my routine will help to strengthen my bones even more.
That's my story so far - as always my thoughts and prayers for everyone on their respective journeys as well.

Jump to this post

My oncologist and I had a detailed conversation about concerns with taking Anastrozole, 6 weeks before I started the drug. (I had to finish radiation treatments first). Fortunately for me I have already been taking Calcium and D3 for several years and have had 2 DEXA scans prior to be being diagnosed, so the baseline was there. (I have osteopenia). I also started taking Collagen 3 months prior to starting the drug to help strengthen my hair. I also have been taking a cholesterol drug for about 18 months prior to diagnosis (mine is high genetically); and one final note, I already have a low WBC and have had it for at least 15 years, so my oncologist told me that since I've been checked for abnormalities and leukemia in the past and all my tests were negative, that I am just one of those people for whom a low WBC is 'my normal'.
Having prefaced all these areas for which I had concerns, I had my first month blood review and all my bloodwork was normal. I also have had no side effects to speak of, and my hair stylists told me just this week that I have new hair growth in my part (Go Collagen!). Fingers crossed that all the supplements I already had built up in the my system beforehand, with the addition of Collagen only, have helped to prevent sore joints, hair thinning, a lower white count, high cholesterol - all things that concerned me initially. Of course I'm only one month in and I have 4 years and 11 months to go - lol - but so far, so good. I also hope that adding some weight bearing exercises to my routine will help to strengthen my bones even more.
That's my story so far - as always my thoughts and prayers for everyone on their respective journeys as well.

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The study I saw about the blood vessel and heart damage was small (about 60 women, with breast cancer, half on Arimidex, half not). They showed that the use of the Arimidex may accelerate blood vessel and heart damage. The women who did not take the pills didn't have as much heart damage or heart attacks but then.........estrogen safeguards bones, the heart and keeps our hair from falling out of our heads 🙂 I lost a lot of hair when I went through menopause (about half of my hair and it never came back). Maybe if that hasn't happened yet maybe the hair loss is more extreme and happens more quickly on these drugs? I don't know of any organic shampoos or conditioners that will help it grow back or look fuller. I use a shampoo that's not organic but 'less chemically damaging' to create fuller looking hair. I am considering hormone tests to give me a starting point for my estrogen and then trying to get my estrogen levels lower naturally with diet and supplements (I'm working on that now but don't have the testing to see if it's working). Also, I wonder if that's enough or if the drugs are doing other things that help keep recurrence down? I'm seeing my oncologist this month and will be talking with her about this. A naturopath might be a good place to do some research. I have one but may be shopping around a bit. I hope the medical community figures out hormone balancing naturally soon! 🙂

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My oncologist and I had a detailed conversation about concerns with taking Anastrozole, 6 weeks before I started the drug. (I had to finish radiation treatments first). Fortunately for me I have already been taking Calcium and D3 for several years and have had 2 DEXA scans prior to be being diagnosed, so the baseline was there. (I have osteopenia). I also started taking Collagen 3 months prior to starting the drug to help strengthen my hair. I also have been taking a cholesterol drug for about 18 months prior to diagnosis (mine is high genetically); and one final note, I already have a low WBC and have had it for at least 15 years, so my oncologist told me that since I've been checked for abnormalities and leukemia in the past and all my tests were negative, that I am just one of those people for whom a low WBC is 'my normal'.
Having prefaced all these areas for which I had concerns, I had my first month blood review and all my bloodwork was normal. I also have had no side effects to speak of, and my hair stylists told me just this week that I have new hair growth in my part (Go Collagen!). Fingers crossed that all the supplements I already had built up in the my system beforehand, with the addition of Collagen only, have helped to prevent sore joints, hair thinning, a lower white count, high cholesterol - all things that concerned me initially. Of course I'm only one month in and I have 4 years and 11 months to go - lol - but so far, so good. I also hope that adding some weight bearing exercises to my routine will help to strengthen my bones even more.
That's my story so far - as always my thoughts and prayers for everyone on their respective journeys as well.

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@madeler22 it is so helpful that you posted about your experience so far with an aromatase inhibitor. Like you, I did not have significant side effects. I am sure your post will be reassuring for many!

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I’m almost 2 mos in & so far so good!

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I’m almost 2 mos in & so far so good!

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