Forum Discussion

Maxiash's avatar
Maxiash
Member
4 months ago

Anastrazole

Hi I have an update I started Anastrzole 5 weeks ago. Ive had a couple of side effects. Constipation but I sorted this with drinking more water, having more fruit and im walking more. My oncologist recommended benifibre but I haven't needed to use it. Im finding getting to sleep and staying asleep is another. Im forgetful, have ringing in my ear and my head feels tight. No extra pain in my joints just the usual. Im not fussed about any of that its all ok. I am noticing my hair is thinning out. I know the information sheets say this can happen but I didnt think it would be this quick. My oncologist said my side effects should settle in another 6 weeks. She said if they don't she would change me to Tamoxifen. I came home and looked up Tamoxifen and found you can get Alopecia while taking it. I asked my oncologist what can help with stopping my hair from thinning out she said Regaine. Im happy to keep taking Anastrozole im just hoping my hair stops thinning. Has anyone else had their hair thin out while on Anastrazole in a short time period, did it settle down quickly or continue. Has anyone tried Regaine and if you have does it work?. Or is there anything else I can use to stop my hair from thinning?.  
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    4 months ago
    Great that your side effects aren't 'too bad', tho the hair thinning would be a tad concerning @Maxiash xx
    I didn't get any hair thinning & didn't need Regaine.   Here's a link to 3 replies (no recent ones, sadly) in the middle of the page
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/search?domain=all_content&query=%22regaine%22&scope=site&source=community

    I was on Anastrozole for the best part of 5 years & I had way less issues with it than the other 2 I'd tried previously (letrozole and Exemestane.)   

    Re sleeping ... do you read in bed (or watch TV?)  I used to always read for at least 30 mins but they reckon that if you just 'go to bed to go to sleep' .... you should start sleeping better.  The mind isn't as active .... and the idea is that you fall asleep faster.

    take care & all the best
  • melways's avatar
    melways
    Member
    4 months ago
    I'm not on that particular drug but I did find I had a lot of hair thinning when I began letrozole but thankfully I have plenty of hair and it did also settle down. I changed shampoo to a scalp friendly shampoo too but no idea if that had any effect or just my body getting used to the drug itself m hopefully yours settles down shortly too. 
  • Maxiash's avatar
    Maxiash
    Member
    4 months ago
    Thanks Arpie I had a good read. Im still learning to use Bcna online and I searched hair thinning, I didnt think to search regaine. I do watch tv in bed I will try without thanks. Melways im so glad to hear yours settled down. Reading you found the same thing on Letrozol makes me feel better. I just changed to a mild shampoo and hopefully mine will settle shortly as well thanks.