I have been on a break from Letrozole for a couple of weeks due to the side effects. As well as menopause symptoms, fatigue and low mood, the worst effect has been cognitive. Not just memory loss, it felt like my brain had lost all its flexibility and agility. I'm still working and have been finding it really difficult to do my job as a result. I was responding badly to friends, family and colleagues and getting easily overwhelmed by situations. After 3 weeks without letrozole, I feel like my brain has woken up. I still struggle with memory but for the first time since treatment started (nearly 3 years ago) I actually feel like myself again. The hot flushes have eased and I'm sleeping better, which helps too.
I don't think I can stop taking an AI as I've been given a 25% risk of reoccurence. I started the letrozole whilst I was having my second lot of chemo so my brain wasn't its usual self from the outset. I'd be really interested to know about other people's experience of restarting an AI after a break/switching to a different AI. If I stick with Letrozole, will I have to go through that horrible period whilst my body gets used to it again? Does it get any easier the second time? Are other AIs worse or better? This is my first break in nearly 2 years. Has anyone been able to take regular breaks over the course of their treatment?
Thank you
Hi there, your situation sounds so frustrating, I feel for you. I wondered have you looked at any different brands of letrozole. Many people report different side effects from different brands (the medication is the same but the filler is different) and sometimes this seems to make a difference. Best wishes
