Ongoing issues with hormone blockers

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Hi all

Just having a bit of a down day I guess.  I'm currently on letrozole and Calcichew-D3 for bone health and just wonder how other people feel physically on a daily basis on these drugs?  I expected side effects but thought they might have cleared by now.  I don't feel tired or have mood swings, but constant terrible stiffness, particularly first thing or after sitting for long periods and don't even ask about turning over in bed at night!   I try exercise with weights but my muscles are so painful afterwards that I can't exercise again for days.  I've been on this combination for the last six months (although I don't always take the calcium as I find this can cause digestive issues) and every day seems to be different with which part of me aches, upset tummy etc, sleep disturbance, generally feeling a bit bluuurgh.  I work at home by myself so don't have people to chat to to give me some sort of perspective.  Would like to know if this is normal for others a few months in or should this all be settling and I should swap to something else.  I certainly don't want to stop taking a hormone blocker.  Anyone else's experience greatly appreciated.  Thanks everyone x

  • Im Like an old woman most days . Last night I had a painful leg in bed . I’d actually done half an hour stretch class a few hours earlier Frowning2️.

    Today , I have mild vsginal side effects and tinnutis .

    After 6 months on Anastrazole , my blood sugar ( fasted ) was 42. Any higher and it’s pre diabetic . I go to the gym 3 x per week and by BMI is well within normal range . I don’t drink alcohol .

    All must be linked to the drugs Cry

    • I really feel for you. I only have a few months left then I am free. I wasn't on Anasterol but I started with Letrozole, piled on the weight, arthritis much much worse, dry eyes etc etc. Changed to aromatase far from perfect but an improvement. Ask to be changed. Aromasin  is the brand name and so expensive but be insistent and you should get it. I also have found water aerobics has helped . A big hug. X
  • Sorry I meant to say I changed my aromatase inhibitor from letrozole to exemestane. I was given the brand name aromasin. 

  • I can definitely relate to feeling like an old woman, I'm 53 and feel exactly the same.  It's my pelvis and lower back aching at the minute.  Sorry you're feeling the side effects too.  I'm like you, fit and active, good BMI, no alcohol and still feel fairly lousy.  Interesting you refer to tinnitus - I have problems with my ears, slight tinnitus, but actually more of a strange sound when I yawn, I had an MRI of head and neck that showed nothing so I'm sure it's all lack of oestrogen x

  • Wow - a few months to go!  Well done you, that's quite an achievement.  How long have you been taking them for? I woke up this morning and decided to be much more positive, so first off I've just ordered some new calcium citrate tablets to try as at the minute I'm finding the tummy issues are the worst for me.  If that doesn't fix digestive problems, I'll speak to the breast nurses for a swap of AI and see if that helps, so I really appreciate your advice.  The stiffness and aches and pains are bad enough, but stomach pain I can really do without x