Are there alternatives to Anastrozole for hormone therapy side effects?

You’re not limited to anastrozole, Cynthia. There are two other aromatase inhibitors you can try, letrozole and exemestane, and some people tolerate one better than another. Tamoxifen is also a standard option for ER+ early-stage disease if aromatase inhibitors are difficult to take. In addition, there are clinical trials of newer endocrine therapies called SERDs (selective estrogen receptor degraders). Most SERD trials focus on higher risk or recurrent disease, but it is still worth asking your oncologist about availability in your area. 💛Suzanne (Community Moderator)

Hi I’m following as I am new on this journey. Lumpectomy stage 1A Her2 positive. I’m having first 2-3 lymph nodes removed for testing. Not sure about meds or radiation yet

I started on anastrozole and couldnt stand it then tried extremestane, couldn’t stand that Monday I am trying Letrizole , can’t take Tamixifen. Praying this one is better.

Bonni, I went thru all those meds and couldn’t stand any except the letrozole. Hope it works for you, too!

Thanks for the info. Please let me know how it works out for you. I think I have almost all of the side effects from Anastrozole But the body aches, muscle and joint pain are really something else.

Have you tried taking it at night? It’s really helped for me. I’m on my 6th month. I have a blood clotting disorder so I have to be really careful which of these I can take

I have, i take just before bedtime.

I had exactly the same diagnosis as you except I am on tamoxifen. However, I did have the radiation. It really wasn’t a problem and I had no side effects.

Thank you! I have been on Anastrozol for nearly a year, I have almost every one of the side effects. Especially muscle and joint aches I Meet with my Oncologist the end of October, I will discuss this with her. Thank you for your advise. Just out of curiosity, how old are, I am 72. Thank you Cynthia.

I am currently 68. Was diagnosed at 65

I was diagnosed in July, I’ve had the lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed. I’n July they said my tumor was 5mm, however in August when the surgery was done it was 11mm and they found a second one that was 3mm. I was diagnosed with IDC on the 11mm and DCIS on the 3mm. Stage 1a grade 2. Her- ER+.They took margins and stated the margins were Stage 0. Radiation starts in October then meds. I have other medical issues , any recommendations for the next steps. I’m concerned with the meds. And trying to eat they want you to eat is so hard. I’m so glad there’s this forum for us all to talk.

Hi. I also had stage 1A 9mm tumor. Had a lumpectomy and 5 radiation treatments. I am on Anastrozole. Initially the side effects were I unbearable, joint pain and hot flashes. Dr. had me take a 4 week break. When I resumed taking it again the side effects were far less aggressive. I can easily handle them. That was over a year ago. I’m 76 and feeling great!

Thank you Linda! I am going to suggest this to my Doctor, the end of this month. Joint pain and hot flashes are incredible. Good to know! I feel like every joint in my body aches. I will ask my doctor and then I will post here what she says. Thanks Cynthia

It’s nice to hear we’re not alone. My treatments got changed because I have a pacemaker and they have to remove it before I can start radiation. So doctor started Anastrozole and it sucks. I’m good until around lunch time then I started feeling horrible. My bone density also came back with osteopenia. So now I’m on even more meds. Between my regular meds, the new meds and all the vitamins I’m up to 10 meds in the morning and 3 at night. Can anyone tell me there experience with the radiation. Just trying to be prepared for what’s next.

For me, radiation was mostly a total pita. Had to have my husband drive a ways everyday.. only had radiation dermatitis on my back afterwards. Other than that, painless

Thank you for the information. I’m a little nervous about it.

Hi Chao, I opted fora second surgery, to increase the margins even more, to see if the Oncologist would give me a pass on radiation. And she did!!! I am just on anastrozole 1 mg, but the side effects are really something. Linda O said, her were bad too and the stopped them for 4 weeks and started them up again, with little to no side effects, I go to see my doctor the end of the month and I will be asking about this too. Cynthia

Hi Chao, I felt radiation was the easy part, after all the surgeries and chemo. I had cancer twice, radiation both times. The second time was easy. The first time, I burned. So, that was a little painful and had to be dealt with. The area might turn a bit red, like a mild sunburn, and be dry, otherwise. And after awhile, even lasting beyond, you may feel tired. Just plan for extra sleep.

Thank you so much Virginia. Big hugs to you. I hope you’re doing well.

Congratulations on your clear mammogram results! Many patients do experience challenging side effects with aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole, and there are often alternative hormone therapy options that oncologists can consider, such as other aromatase inhibitors or selective estrogen receptor modulators that may be better tolerated. This is definitely worth discussing with your oncology team, as they can evaluate whether switching medications or exploring clinical trials might be appropriate based on your specific situation and medical history.