Completed 5 years of anastrozole. Withdrawal symptoms? Side effects?

Was on Anastrazole for 5 years. My own opinion and experience is that there is not a withdrawal but it took me 8-9 months before my body starting regulating estrogen consistently. So even though the drug takes about 6 weeks to get out of your system for me it took much longer to get energy back, have a more positive mood, sleep better and be less anxious. So it felt like a withdrawal but it was not actually. My body took time to get better regulated.

I stopped anastrozole 1 week ago after 4 years and 2 months for a sanctioned drug holiday after leg and foot tingling. The neuropathy has been very concerning. Oncologist recommended a supplement for diabetics and I said pass due to side effects. I’m feeling better after 1 week and noticeable joint and skin improvement. I was doing ok with side effects until the last year when I lost 15 lbs. Lower estrogen as a result of weight loss? I regained energy after year 2 when I started taking Urolithin a supplement, It’s been a godsend. My onca was 4% and I was very lucky with mastectomy, clear lymph nodes, no rad or chemo needed. Now I’m dealing with capsular contracture and I’ve had 10 ultrasound treatments. Implant is more comfortable so I will pass on replacement surgery. Putting this in the rear view mirror! Good luck to all!

They definitely do not tell you about all the horrible side effects! I found out more information on Facebook group Breast Cancer and Anastrozole!

@motormama59
Dear Mm, I had a double mastectomy in 2024. I was diagnosed with Pagets disease. It is rare and only affects one breast. I had the other removed "just in case". Luckily it did not spread (DCIS).
I read enough and did research on all AI'S.
A 5 year regimen of Anastrozole seemed to be what so many Oncologists put their patients on after surgery.
For me? NO WAY. I was 71 at the time and to have 5 years of side affects was not my choice.
Doctors do down play the side affects as maybe hot flashes or just some night sweats. Unfortunately, you wind up on another drug to counter those side affects.
AGAIN, I say not for me. As with all things in life you need to make your own choices.
I spoke to my oncologist and she respected my wishes and because of the type of cancer I had it wasn't imperative to take it.
So, ask the questions get answers and then read, research and speak to other women.

I stopped after 5 years and had no issues.

@motormama59 I was on anastrozole for 5 years as well and have been off now for 4 years…have had no negative side effects

It's not in your head! I had joint pain and fatigue, brain fog while taking anastrazole for 6 months. Went off it and joint pain majorly increased and developed trigger thumb in both thumbs. Been off 7 weeks and overall pain has lessened but still wake up with stiff fingers in the morning and trigger thumbs continue. The nurse said I may need an injection to loosen the tendon in my thumbs. Everyone reacts differently and it frustrates me that the medical doesn't acknowledge that.

@eleanorrigby I had a single mastectomy 9 years ago, followed by 7 years of Anastrazole, and lots of Zometa infusions. During the treatment, I had joint pain increase, lots of hair loss, and neuropathy in my toes. It is only recently, in the past 6 months or so, that I am no longer losing lots of hair. I now have osteoporosis, worst in my wrists, and one hip, and lots of joint pain which may or may not have been exacerbated by the medicine. Same for neuropathy; many factors can influence conditions. No weight loss for me.

@smspaz59 Yes! Just about the same timeframe & same symptoms. Trying to get my energy back. Hopefully others who have had same experience will post suggestions.

I have been reading up on all the comments. Most are about the effects when they are on it but only a few regarding when they go off. I am grateful and blessed to say I did not have much problems when I was put on it back in 2020. In the midst now that I read reviews, I think my plantar facitis started then. I just stopped in mid March this year after 5 years on Anastrozole. I noticed my right leg gets a bit tired after a bout of walking....but most of all I notice (rather my friends did) that I have lost weight. This is a major worry for me as I equate weight loss to cancer. But I just had my annual check up. My mamongram came back clear. My blood test cancer marker came back good. Cholestrol is good. Sugar level is good, no diabetes but slightly anemic. I am a small eater all my life but why am I losing weight? Oh I did not gain weight when I was Anastrozole. Anyone has this weight loss problem????Appreciate an input.