What should I expect when taking anastrozole for five years?

Taking anastrozole for five years is a common treatment plan that many in the breast cancer community have experience with. While everyone's journey is different, connecting with others who have taken this medication can provide valuable insights about what to expect and helpful tips for managing any side effects that may arise.

Hi Anne and I am also on Anastrozole for 5 years. I've been taking it for 15 months and the worst side effect for me is joint pain. Mainly in my hands and feet but I find that exercise, especially walking really helps. I try to walk 20 to 30 minutes every day and the pain has subsided tremendously! Every once in a while I'll have a hot flash but fortunately it's not very often. Every one is different on this med but please hang in there. It really does help with our type of breast cancer and the doctor knows best. There's also a great support group on Facebook, Anastrozole support group, and they have been wonderful with support and answering questions. Hugs my Pink Sister and God Bless 🩷

When do you take it? Morning or night?

I take it in the morning. It works better for me.

That’s what I did, thank you!

I am on year 2 of 5 with anastrazole. The GI symptoms and hot flashes have subsided. I have lost weight not gained. Worst for me are also the joint pains. I have a lot of osteoarthritis and i think it makes the pain worse. The side effects seem to change, wax and wane. The oncologist is very willing to work with me on management. I take mine in the evening. Plan to continue

Also, claritinnwas recommended to me for the joint pains and it helps

Hello Anne I also have started Anastrazole about 2 months ago I too am experiencing joint pain mostly in my legs and hands I’m 43 years old and definitely am great full that I caught my DSIS early and am surviving but I do get frustrated about being in this journey this platform is nice to have to talk to others who are also in this I take mine in the morning and I also am taking Veozah for hot flashes which seems to be helping I am at week 4 of recovering from a full hysterectomy that I chose to have as another preventative yet everybody’s journey is different. Good luck to you sending prayers and hugs Hang in there one day at a time 🫶

Hello Anne, I also am on Anastrozole since December 2025. The worst for me right now is heavy night sweats, hot flashes and joint pain. I am on Anastrozole for five years. I get so stiff from sitting and lying down. I also have osteoarthritis along with other health issues I'm going through. We are all in this together. My prayers are for everyone who are going through this. May God strengthen each and every one and give them comfort and peace in Jesus Mighty name. Amen!🙏

This thread was such a blessing. I just started Anastrozole on Tuesday and its valuable to hear feedback from others and what to expect.

How soon do the side effects start?

The side effects started for me within a week of starting it. That was the joint pain. Hot flashes within a few months but fortunately it wasn't that bad. 15 months later the joint pain is almost nonexistent but I do get a few hot flashes in the afternoon. Overall it's tolerable and not too bad at all.

It started within a week for me.

The GI and hot flashes within a week; the joint pain took months for me. I have few hot flashes now in year two

Is this the hormone blocker therapy pill that they put you on if your cancer is estrogen positive?

It’s one if them

Ok ty