Connect
Taking testosterone to help with aromatase inhibitors
I have tried only one AI, anastrozole, and could only take the side effects for 10 days. I’m about to try Letrozole next week. I’m worried that I’ll experience the same aches and pains. It was very debilitating. Even without AIs, I deal with lots of pain. I read today somewhere that some people take testosterone to help with the side effects of AIs. I’m wondering if someone with estrogen/progesterone positive breast cancer can take testosterone. Has anyone discussed this option with their doctor or has tried it? I’m miserable and really don’t want to be more miserable.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Connect
From what little I know, in (post-menopausal) women testosterone is converted estrogen by aromatase enzymes. If this is so, it seems like taking (additional) testosterone would negate (or reduce) the effect of AIs in removing estrogen from the body--since there is now both a women's normal estrogen and the extra from the testosterone. Can someone please explain the study's rationale, and why it was considered a safe thing to try?
Many thanks in advance.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@peggydobbs My oncologist and my PCP allowed me to try it after I requested it. It helped a little bit but I eventually stopped AIs and thus, stopped testosterone. My research showed that testosterone needs the enzyme called aromatase to convert testosterone to estrogen. Without it, it doesn’t get converted. I’m not an expert by any means, but that’s how I understood it.