Letrozole and checking estrogen levels

I have taken an Astrazole for over five years. I was in my late 60s when I had my mastectomy so I think because I was postmenopausal the AI symptoms may have been less and or different. The only problem I had with the anastrozole, and it probably would have been the same problem with any of them, was that I could not lose weight. Try as I might 1 lbs. 1 pound off.. I got a new oncologist because my old one moved and when I explained the situation to him, that I was typically told eat less exercise more drink lots of water, that I wasn’t had been doing all of those things. Yet there was absolutely no change in my weight. The new oncologist told me That the anastrozole would not cause me to gain weight but it would make it extremely difficult to lose weight and that he approved the plan to work with Pcp on appetite suppressant medication. I’m a firm believer, but there are side effects with AI medication’s and they may be greater or premenopausal with postmenopausal. I also agree with the risk/benefit,. Staying on the AI reduces my recurrence risk of breast cancer very much. I have learned how to deal with losing the necessary weight and I’m not experiencing any a day and a day out symptoms like others do. It’s a really tough spot to put in and I found that my primary care doctor and my oncologist were the best. Two doctors to help me figure this out. Hope this helps.

You are correct in your way of thinking. Anything that causes us to lose all or most of our estrogen could and most likely would cause at least many of the same side effects. Most of the side effects are not actually a bug but a feature of these drugs. We need to reduce or remove estrogen from our bodies. Our bodies do not really appreciate this. 😂 Nature takes years and years to accomplish what these drugs did to me in a month. I was premenopausal with all of my estrogen, then boom I had less than my 90 year old grandmother.
There was bound to be some serious adjustments to my thinking and even my way of life. That said, I am grateful for every day that I have gained as a result.
Did you try any natural methods? How about natural help for the “adjustments”?

@auntieoakley no I didn't try anything "natural." I think tai chi and art class helped me a lot with adjustments!

I was diagnosed Nov 2024 DCIS, stage zero, no family history because I'm adopted so they 1st tested my DNA for any breast cancer which came back okay with that. My spot was discovered by mammo & I was called back in for a 2nd one which happened last year too, but everything was good. This year the radiologist said it was a tiny spot that had changed from previous year. Could watch for 6mos or schedule biopsy. I chose biopsy as I had brain cancer in 2016 with surgery, chemo & radiation, and 5 years of monthly maintenance chemo just completed end of 2021. Didn't want to wait & watch. Had lumpectomy day after Christmas. All went well. Lab came back with 5mm margins clear around the tumor removed. Felt good about that. Onco advised radiation and Letrozole for 5yrs. My main concern was having radiation so I went to that Dr 1st. After another test on the tumor, my % was much better for non recurring by having it & he said I only needed 5, every other day, so 2 weeks. I was ok with that and just finished that. Once I decided on radiation, I didn't start the Letrozole. At this point, I don't want to even try it. Last year I was finally feeling so much better, like myself again after the brain cancer. I'm 65 this year and over the last 8 Mos lost over 30 lbs. Lowest weight for over 10 yrs, with menopause and cancer stuff. Don't want any of the side effects and I will stay current with mammos and follow up. Who's with me that it's a reasonable decision? 🤔 I try to be confident in my decision. I've been looking for anything more natural and eventually ended up here. My hubby says I should quit going down the rabbit hole 🕳 😅