What's it like taking anastrozole for breast cancer side effects?

Many people in this community have shared experiences with anastrozole, and connecting with others who understand this journey can be incredibly valuable. The side effects you mentioned are commonly discussed here, and community members often share practical strategies like gentle exercise for joint stiffness, layered clothing for hot flashes, and calcium-rich foods to support bone health - though it's always best to discuss any management approaches with your healthcare team first.

“Some potential side effects.” How easy that is to say. I am 9 months on the drugs. I transitioned from Anastrozole to Letrozole after 5 months. Some bad side effects improved but others not so. I am assessing my situation to discuss with my dr. next month. I think it is different for each of us.

It is definitely different for everyone. I am on anastrazole and kisqali. The anastrazole specifically gives me dizziness when standing (getting better), headaches (also getting better), and hot flashes. I also have had some hair thinning, but I think that comes with most of those drugs. Many of my side effects from anastrazole are getting better as time goes on. I have been on it for almost 6 months now. The hot flashes are my worst symptom. Talk to your medical oncologist about integrative oncology. I am set up with them to start acupuncture to help with the hot flashes and other symptoms.

I was on anastrozole for a year along w kisqali following my lumpectomy and 20 radiation treatments.I experienced the hot flashes, joint pain and fatigue . I gained 12 pounds over the year so I asked my oncologist if there is an alternative. I started letrozole but after 4 months , nothing really changed so now I am 4 months into exemestane . I have had a hellish month that started with a viral bug that started w headache and vomiting, body pain and extreme fatigue. I just couldnt seem to kick it and ended up at the ER and was tested for covid,rsv , both flus and the ct scan didnt show any concerns so the bad stuff was ruled out .I was very dehydrated and given IV fluids and was released w some headache meds and muscle relaxer for my neck pain. They said all I could do was treat the symptoms . After energy shakes,dehydration drinks I am gaining my strength but still experience fatigue and head aches w hot flashes. This has gone on now for a solid month and I saw my Dr this week. She is thinking that the exemestane is the culprit interacting with my other meds. I am weaning off all unnecessary ones to really try to identify the cause of my symptoms. Im sorry to go into such detail but I was hoping some of you may have experienced this and may offer input .I will see my oncologist in a few weeks and I understand I have to take one of the 3 with kisqali so Im trying to figure which of the 3 have the least side effects. Any comments ?

I’m not taking any of them.

Gosh, your situation is very similar to mine, ugh… I can completely relate. I was also on anastrazole and had many side effects, they switched me to Letrozole in February and I too had 20+ sessions of radiation. I’m being told different things by several of my Dr.’s, some say I absolutely need Kisquali, others say I don’t. I don’t know if I should take it or not, I understand there are significant side effects. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this? Thanks!

I had Stage 1, had surgery and 5 targeted radiation treatments. I am not on any medication. My risk of recurrence was low, and too many side effects with the drugs. I am 69, one year cancer free. If I were younger, I may have decided differently. I’m very active and chose lifestyle (working out, some dietary changes, etc) vs. the drugs. Risk of recurrence only improved 1% for me with drugs, so risk went from 10% to 11%. I obviously did a lot of research for my personal situation, and i am at peace with my decision, even if it comes back.

Chemo lumpectomy and radiation enough for me. At almost 75 NOT TAKING THOSE CANCER DRUGS AFTER TREATMENT. Sounds worse than CHEMO side effects!!!

I will be 74. Stage 0. Lumpectomy and 5 radiations that I chose to do. Sleep deprivation is my big issue. I am still working and being groggy at 8 am is tough. I meet with my surgeon next month. We shall see then what I decide to do.

I was a pathological stage 1b with 1 positive node but an oncotype 11. After mastectomy, I had 15 rad tx and have now been on anastrazole for about 8 weeks. I had headaches and sleep problems early, but that is better now. I tire a bit more easily and have a bit of joint stiffness, but all mild. Kisqali was mentioned as optional, but seems a bit scary to reduce risk by 1 to 2 %. Zometa was recommended but I have a lot dental issues that would need attention first, raising my risk of osteonecrosis. Getting comfortable with some of the choices is a struggle at times, bit I feel fortunate to have had good tolerance of my ai so far.

Started out with Anastrozole(bad side effects), then went to Letrozole and had the same side effects. Now on Exemestane and same side effects as the previous 2 but also have nausea with this one. Not sure I want to continue this one either. I don’t have my ovaries. Will discuss with oncologist at next visit. Some of these side effects are debilitating. I was stage 1, grade 2, no lymph node involvement, with clear margins. Onco type was 32.

I was stage 1a ER/PR+ HER2- with an 8mm tumor. I had no lymph nodes impacted. I have been on Anastrozole for 6 years and also had radiation treatment as well. My side effects have been hot flashes and I now have osteopenia which may end up as osteoporosis by the time I stop taking Anastrozole. The bone impacts are my biggest concern and I often wonder if I should have been on bone medicine all along while taking Anastrozole. The current plan is I will stay on anastrozole for another year and will then be done.

I'm a rebel. I looked at side effects versus risk of return and with the hormone blocker it was reduced by 2%. It was not worth it to me. My oncoscore was 14? KI67 2. I had stage 1b IDC. So no blockers for me. I have a signatera every 3 months. You'll figure out what to do. 💓 it's a difficult decision. However I'm 2 years out and was 78 when diagnosed. Doing well.