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Can I take Vitamin E and B complex while on Letrozole?

Posted by teddie @teddie, May 15, 2024

Confused about Vitamin E and B complex .Can I take them on Letrozole. And has anyone out there ceased their aromatase inhibitors before 10 yeras

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jmab | @jmab | Jun 8 12:39pm
In reply to @risagee "Hello all, For anyone still following this thread — I did end up trying a short..." + (show)
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Hello all,
For anyone still following this thread — I did end up trying a short course of Lexapro (I’m an integrative psychotherapist, so although I’m not a big a big psychopharmaceuticals fan, I have a good sense of what these drugs can and cannot do). Low dose Lexapro didn’t help my sleep or general anxiety so I weaned off, but I’ve been getting better quality sleep by taking Ashwagandha (Gaia brand) and magnesium an hour or two before bed, and then a low dose of melatonin (2.5mg) an hour before. I wear an Oura ring (3 years now) so it tracks sleep quality — much more REM sleep!
Just did a DEXA scan after 18 months on Letrozole and my lumber spine is now -3.99, alas. Considering what awful bone drugs to try (have to do something) and maybe going off Letrozole.
I’d be glad to hear other thoughts/experiences any of you might like to share!

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@risagee I'm older (72), stage 1 ILC & I'm taking a half-dose (10 mg) of Tamoxifen which hopefully protects my bones & I have no side effects. I've also started 5 classes/week of Pilates since diagnosis last August. Hope you find a plan that works for you!

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penny21 | @penny21 | 5 days ago
In reply to @dlmdinia "I'm been on Letrozole and other AI's for over four years. I've been on B vitamins..." + (show)
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I'm been on Letrozole and other AI's for over four years. I've been on B vitamins at my oncologist's recommendation for almost 4 years. I've never considered Vitamin E. I also take a multivitamin, calcium supplement and collagen. I take citrus bergamot for high cholesterol.

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@dlmdinia what brand of citrus bergamot do you take/ recommend?

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wews | @wews | 4 days ago

I have taken them the entire time I am on letrozole - year and three months. No one has ever told me to stop.

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lak1967 | @lak1967 | 3 days ago

From the National Institutes of Health (NIH): "High-dose B-complex supplements are generally not recommended for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) cancer. Because some B vitamins (like folate) promote rapid cell division and DNA synthesis, high doses might interfere with treatments, and certain supplements (like biotin) can even skew crucial diagnostic lab results." Higher doses of B12 has also been associated with a higher risk of lung and colon cancers. For these reasons, I have stopped taking a B complex supplement. My daily multivitamin already gives me all the B vitamins in more than sufficient amounts. Please consult with your medical oncologist to decide what's right for you.
"For patients with hormone-positive (ER+/PR+) breast cancer, taking high-dose Vitamin E supplements is generally not recommended and can be risky. Research indicates that high doses of supplemental Vitamin E may interfere with the effectiveness of hormone-blocking therapies, such as tamoxifen, by stimulating cancer cell growth and reducing the medication's therapeutic impact." Susan G. Komen recommends getting sufficient vitamin E by eating nuts, seeds, and leafy greens instead of supplements. Again, please consult with your medical oncologist.

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