Lower Doses of Anastrozole or Letrozole?

I have been on Letrozole for 6 years. I have insomnia issues and bone and joint pain that rotates to ankles, hips, knees, hands and shoulders. Never the same. I tolerate it because it takes care of the cancer. The fatigue from not resting well at night is so taxing.

I really want to take the meds but wonder if I take half or take every other day if it will work. You would think that with the strong side effects they would do blood test to check estrogen levels. I wonder if your blood estrogen level is super low if that means you're getting enough of the Letrozole? I use my hands in life saving work. If I have severe pain in my hands it's not a good day for someone else. My life is taking care of others....

Carolann, Have you tried benadryl 25mg or doxylamine succinate 25mg sleep aid (Walmart Brand). Neither are addicting. Both are allergy medications. You might want to take it a half hour before you go to bed. I have taken 2 before when really hurting.

Many people in this community have found that discussing dose adjustments with their oncology team can be helpful when experiencing significant side effects from aromatase inhibitors. Weight and individual metabolism can indeed affect how these medications work in different people, so bringing up these concerns with your doctor is completely reasonable. Others here have shared similar experiences with joint pain and cognitive issues, and there may be strategies or alternatives that could work better for you.