Should I get estrogen levels tested before starting Anastrozole at 72?

Great question!

Testing estrogen levels before starting hormone therapy is a thoughtful question that many patients in similar situations have wondered about. While some community members have discussed getting baseline hormone levels tested, the decision about whether to proceed with anastrozole typically involves many factors beyond just current estrogen levels that oncologists consider based on individual cases. It might be helpful to discuss your specific concerns about low estrogen levels with your medical team, as they can explain how your particular tumor characteristics and overall health picture factor into their treatment recommendation.

I've been wondering about the exact same thing! It's such a valid question to ask about baseline testing, especially at our age when natural estrogen levels might already be quite low.

I was told before my surgery i had 2 tumors cancer. Then after all the test mri P.ET scans blood work..surgeon and oncologist said they found another cancer so total 3 tumors...so I had surgery on the 31 of December..so today at my appointment with the surgeon he came in with a smile on his face saying congratulations your cancer free...and that it was only 1 cancer in my left breast the other 2 was benign..and he doesn't have to take chemo but its up to the onecologist...oh and my stage is 2a...but im so confused in this ...I got my whole breast cut off because they said I had 3 cancer tumors.. and it wasn't i could of just got the cancer removed..and safe my breast...I don't want him to put me on that pill i wish I would of got a second opinion

Yes I insisted on getting baseline hormone test before starting Anastrozole. My levels were low but I did start taking it. My oncologist has ordered advanced genetic testing which measures my chances of reoccurrence because I have had a lot of side effects from the medication.

Marita. Thanks. If I go one more night of not sleeping then I may be done. Lots of time to think about this at 3am. But first I will request more tests. Just hope I stay awake during the dr. consultation.

Hello! My situation sounds identical to yours. I am 63. I just discussed the option of targeted radiation or full breast radiation. I am so worried about recurrence I think I want to do the full breast radiation. I was also advised after radiation they would prescribe Anastrozole for 5 years. I am doing everything to prevent recurrence. It was such a shock to get the diagnosis. I feel lucky to have caught it when I did! Annual mammograms save lives!

Hello Cheryl I’m 43 years old and I also was diagnosed with DCIS in situ HR+PR+ contained in my milk duct I had a lumpectomy followed by 20 rounds of radiation with clear margins I am pre menopausal and did do the hormone testing my oncologist said he needed my ovaries since my cancer was hormonal as a preventative I had 3 options 1. Shots in my stomach to suppress my ovaries 2. Take a pill that would slowly suppress my overies or 3. A full hysterectomy I read up on the medications got second opinions asked a lot of questions and advocated for myself and now I’m going to have a full hysterectomy on Tuesday yet I still have to take an AI the Astrozole I didn’t fully understand why I still had to take the pill for 5 years if my margins are clear and “cancer free” plus removing my overies but I learned that estrogen is through out our bodies in our fat cells so fingers crossed 🤞 that I am making the right decision I’ve prayed on this decision for some time now and believe this is what’s best for me. I am experiencing side effects from the Astrozole hot flashes bone and joint pain but tolerated right now my best advice to you is listen to your body advocate for your self, do your research before you make any decisions God Bless you 🙏 on your journey