Anastrazole side effects

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Hi I am new here. I had breast cancer I. October 2020, lumpectomy and radiation. 5 months of tamoxifen and then found out I had the brca 2 gene. Horrific since then, I'm 43 ovaries removed and double mastectomy. On anastrazole and I am a different person. So irritated and low mood and insomnia... Anyone else like this? My two poor little boys and partner!!! 

  • Hi , and a warm welcome to the forum. Sorry you find yourself here but it’s a great place for support and shared experiences. I’m on Anastrozole too and have a bunch of side effects but am 20 years older than you so had already been through a ‘natural’ menopause (though I describe Anastrozole effects as menopause with bells on.) You have been crashed into an early menopause with the treatments you’ve had, which is shocking in itself, without the further bodily insult of the Anastrozole. So I really feel for you. 
    Have you had any ‘help’ with the side effects? Some people here have found some forms of anti depressants helpful, and I had ear acupuncture at my nearest Maggie’s centre which was specifically aimed at the hot flushes but also helped my anxiety and sleep. I still meet up with a couple of lovely ladies I met there - I call it my hormonally deranged group! 
    There’s also usually the option to change to a different hormone zapper, although I’ve chosen to stick with the devil I know. But many folk here have tried different ones. 
    Sorry I don’t have any immediate solutions but you are definitely not alone. And I’d definitely consider contacting your GP for possible prescription help, as well as seeing what’s available locally like Maggie’s or Macmillans. There’s support for partners too, including on this forum. 
    I’m sure others will pop on with other suggestions. Sending love and a big virtual hug your way, HFxx 

    HappyFeet1 xx
    Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi
  • These hormone blockers are not a walk in the park and I think its even harder for some when there has been an abrupt menopause rather than a natural one. I manage insomnia with zopiclone (a sleeping tablet) once every couple of weeks

  • ..when I get desperate as they are addictive/ they stop working if you take them all the time. I also have the Stella app which has really helped with and normalised some of my symptoms of menopause. I have been referred for acupuncture - 10 sessions - by my BCN for night sweats and hot flushes, and if nothing else, hope that I feel calmer for them and if it touches my hot flushes it will be a bonus!  Am sorry its a struggle and that your emotions are so affected by your low oestrogen levels. I find exercise helps me feel better - probably the endorphins - but whatever the reason, some outdoors time, esp in green spaces has really helped me. Hope you can find a way to make all of your symptoms more manageable too xx

  • These hormone blockers are not a walk in the park and I think its even harder for some when there has been an abrupt menopause rather than a natural one. I manage insomnia with zopiclone (a sleeping tablet) once every couple of weeks