Anastrozole - increased hot flushes

  • 2 replies
  • 272 subscribers
  • 691 views

Hi,  After a mastectomy last May I was put in Anastrozole which seems to have no major side effects. However I am having far more hot flushes than I ever was. We’ve had a recent death in the family and some work done to the house and the anxiety I felt after my op last year seems to have returned with a vengeance. Can stress add to the intensities of hot flushes? 

Polar bear x

  • Hi Polar Bear. I have been on anastrozole for 6 years now, and I have had hot flushes throughout. However there have been times when they are have been more frequent. I believe stress and anxiety can contribute to hot flushes.  It is a bit of a catch 22 situation, because the stress might start the hot flush, and then you become stressed because you are having a hot flush. Other triggers for me are coffee and alcohol. 

    I have a little battery operated fan which has been my saviour, it comes everywhere with me.  Hope the flushes settle soon for you. They are exhausting.

    Take care 

    “Try to be a rainbow, in somebody else's cloud” ~ Maya Angelou
    Chelle 

    Community Champion badge
  • Hi there. Thanks for letting me know. Crikey! 6 years?! I’m on it for 10.  It’s good to know that stress makes them more frequent. I was considering trying another brand but I’ll wait to see if they subside first. It’s ironic really. I take an antidepressant which should, in theory, help with hot flushes. Goodness only knows what state I’d be in if I didn’t take them! I’ve noticed that alcohol and hot drinks can bring them on. Thanks again for getting in contact. All the best with your continued treatment. Let’s pray there’s no heatwave this summer..

    Polarbear x

    Polar Bear