Forum Discussion
Mahjah
2 years agoMember
Letrozole
Hi, I've had my surgery, finished my radiation and now just started hormone therapy. What are people's experience with Letrozole? I've been nervous about starting hormone therapy because of all the side effects. I have depression and anxiety so a bit concerned the effect the tablets may have on that.
41 Replies
- I'm about 4 months into starting Letrozole and my experience is similar to Arpie's - I take it at night (it makes me a bit sick if I take it in the morning) and I got into strength and resistance exercise - mostly for my bone density - but I definitely found the exercise improved the joint pain type side effects I was getting from Letrozole.
- arpieMemberI always take mine at night, right from the start @GorgyS - on my theory that it could work its 'magic' overnight .... and yes, I took it with my other meds.
Keep your exercising up as much as you can, as I believe it really helps ....
Take care & all the best xx - GorgySMemberI have to start Letrozole on Monday. I know that I have to take it every day at the same time. Wondering what time, you are usually taking it. Morning or night. Do you take it with your other regular medication? I was told by medical team that it really does not matter, but I would like to know what your experience is. Thanks
- arpieMemberHi @krisol and @swerks ...
I'll ask @Mez_BCNA to move your post to 'newly diagnosed', so that you can each have your own 'history' on your own post and you can both fill us in with a bit more of your personal stories too xx - krisolMemberHi everyone, I’m new here.
im started letrozole 1 month ago and I have middle joint pain specially in the mornings. I found that exercises help me a lot and I hope long term does not affects my bones. I hope will improve with the days until my body accept this medicine. Blessings for every one. - Julez1958MemberTake the drug, see how you go , you may get no side effects or only mild ones.
Definately have a bone density scan and a full dental check up in case you have to take bone strenthening drugs.
Tell you medical team as soon as you get side effects that are bothersome and keep posting in here there is a lot of experience and support. - Pommy8MemberI'm about 1 half years of taking letrozole no issues that I know of.
I worry about my bones but just have to wait and see. - SpursyMemberI tried letrozole, 29 tablets, too many joint and bone aches. Changed to Anastrozole, so far onto my 2nd packet, only hot flashes. Everyone is different so as Afraser said try it you can always change to another one.
- MahjahMember@Afraser I had a bone density scan and I have osteopenia. Taking vitamin D now. Thanks everyone for your replies.
- AfraserMemberI had ten years of Femara (Letrozole). It battered my bone density a bit (at 67, when I started, my bone density was excellent - wise to get it tested before you start) and I had vaginal dryness (may partly be due to age, as is at least some of my reduced bone density).
What I didn’t have was bone aches, joint pain, flushes, mood swings or menopausal type symptoms. Mind you, I didn’t have any of those when I was menopausal either! Like chemo, reactions to AIs vary a lot. As @swerks says, things may even improve. Bottom line, try it, see how you go, you can always stop. But nothing ventured....
Best wishes