Letrozole

Following with interest as I’m one month in. Makes my heart sink to hear the side effects creeping up after so long.

so sorry that I  can’t help - I’ve said on other chat that I wish the experts would take a slightly more methodical approach to working out why/ when and who gets these side effects. Be lovely to know if there was anything we can or shouldn’t do to help?

do you take any supplements?

I take it you’ve been post menopausal the whole time? Hormone changes?? 

Changes in exercise?

alcohol or diet changes??

any other health issues maybe? 
obviousjy I’m not expecting answers!! None of my business but might help work out if there’s anything else going on?? 

I have been letrazole since December 2023 and experience hot flushes and pain in wrists especially aches in wrist movement - apparently it is a documented side effect 

I spoke to my team and they have recommended taking supplements evening  primrose oil - which I have been taking for three weeks and feel calmer in the nights with hot flushes - wrist pain keeps coming every now and again - but I have to exercise it using stress ball to give pressure 

speak to your breast care team - they would have specialist nurse for endocrine treatment who can listen to your symptoms and prescribe something to ease the side effects 

all love for a comfortable recovery

vidya xx

Hiya, I've been on letrozole since March 2020. I struggle walking for a few seconds after getting up in the mornings and if I've been sitting for long periods. Once I get going I'm ok. It's really weird but have got used to it after 4.5 years. Only another 5.5 years to go.  Knees feel weak, don't hurt but seem to have lost strength in them.

Better than chemo though. 

Regards Booby J

Similar story here. 2 years of letrozole and I'm getting serious joint pains in my fingers, wrists, knees and back. Plus, although I have not gained weight since starting on letrozole, it is seriously difficult to lose any weight and I've been trying to lose the extra pounds I gained during treatment, probably from the steroids and eating differently. Fortunately I have not been too bad with the Caribbean flushes though.

Two years down, only 8 more joyous years to go......

Hello, thank you for your reply.  I take Glycosamine and Fish Oils and sometimes they help but you think you have it sussed and then the symptoms come back.  The hot flushes are back and just don't know why!  Will keep on trucking xx

Thank you - it helps to know that I am not the only one but hate the fact that we are all feeling like this!  

Totally true re the chemo!  I am the same when I wake up and always feel better after exercise as it feels like my joints have been oiled!  

Thank you Vidya, that is really useful - I will look into take Oil of Evening primrose - I take Glucosamine and Fish oils but will try anything!  Think I will ask my breast care team too - might even see if I can take a Letrozole holiday for a couple of months.  Take care 

Hello, Sam.

It’s not uncommon for new side effects to appear even after being on Letrozole for a long time. The hot flashes, aches, pains, and changes in body composition like increased belly fat and cellulite might be related to how your body’s hormone levels are adjusting over time. As estrogen levels decrease further, these symptoms can become more pronounced.

What might help is speaking with your doctor about your symptoms. They may suggest adjusting your dosage, switching to a different medication, or recommending lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary adjustments to manage weight gain and cellulite. Additionally, some people find relief from hot flashes with supplements or certain medications, but it’s important to get personalized advice from your healthcare provider before trying anything new.

In addition, choose only reliable pharmacies where you can find Letrozole of excellent quality and at an affordable price: buy high-quality Letrozole

Best wishes, and I hope you find some relief soon!

Thank you, that is really helpful, particularly to understand why the effects are starting up again.  I’m going to speak with my doctor/breast care team and hopefully something will help me.  Really appreciate your response.

Sam