Letrozole side effect options

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Due to start letrozole.  I am worried about side effects, in particular hot flashes/brain fog.  I am struggling a bit having come off HRT (ER breast cancer, age 55) in particular at night with hot flashes.  I have a really intense job and a single parent so really important I can get enough sleep.  I wondered what experience people have on offsetting these symptoms with other medication.  My consultant didn't seem keen on prescribing anything and just to see if symptoms settle but I would like to know my options.

  • I was 70 when I started on Letrozole in December 2023 and hadn’t had a bad menopause, just hot flushes, which had settled down quite well, just leaving me as a person who “felt the heat” more than I had before. The letrozole brought the hot flushes and sweats back, however they  settled again pretty much. I take it at night and seem to be good at sticking an arm or leg out from under the quilt without really waking up.

    I therefore haven’t got anything to share about meds to reduce effects, however I know that people choose what they feel is a good time of day for them and also some find that a different brand of the drug is better for them than another. Also they sometimes are changed to a different AI, which can work out better if the letrozole  experience is difficult.
    There are a few threads about letrozole in this forum both under Diagnosis and Treatment and General Discussion. You might find something useful if you scroll down and see some of them.

    All the very best. I feel this condition is so harsh both for premenopausal women and those who have to abruptly stop helpful HRT.

  • Hi, I've been taking letrozole for 4 years.  Occasional hot flushes, some on and off leg pain which is manageable. I take it at night so if there are any issues then I'm asleep but honestly don't know if it makes much difference, best wishes 

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  • I’ve been on Letrozole for three months now , 3 different brands!!! I am tolerating it very well though I do have two friends who struggled with it. The third brand, Accord, has been the best so far.