Anastrozole Hormone Meds

Thanks for your help @JanineG and sorry to take so long to reply. I've been in for my mastectomy since our discussion and haven't been online since. I called my breast surgeon and she referred me as urgent to the same gynaecologist who performed my hysterectomy. He then saw me the same day and discovered signs of vaginal atrophy. I've been using the oestrogen pessaries ever since. I've had no further bleeding and the scratchy soreness has improved. It really does make a big difference!

@dbelle I hope things went well for you today. As for vaginal bleeding as a side effect, it's listed as a 'concern' to tell your GP. I work in pharmacy so tend to do a little more research into my meds. Nowadays a lot of drug companies don't provide patient info sheets with their product. But you can always ask for a print out from your pharmacist. Try not to be alarmed at the list of known side effects on 'everything ' though. Companies are required to list a side effect if even one user has reported it through their GP. It's always a matter of choosing what's right for you in the end. I haven't had any further probs. I'd be interested to know how you got on but only if you would like to share. Good luck Janine xo

Thanks @JanineG My bc is also e+ but I couldn't find any mention of bleeding as a side effect online and there was no warning on my pack! I had a hysterectomy years ago so I'm guessing it's vaginal bleeding.  Will call my doctor today.

Yes @dbelle I did. I had slight spotting , got in to my GP the next day and was sent to Merci Womens the following day. (Due to the warning on the Anastrazole pack),They performed a hysteroscopy to rule out any cervical changes. All was absolutely fine. It was due to extreme vaginal atrophy where the cervix had 'become so fragile it was raw in places and bleeding'. Very sore. The solution was low dose  vaginal estrogen pesseries  twice a week. All with permission from my oncologist. Everything healed very quickly. I still use the pesseries and the Anastrazole 8 months later. And my atrophic vagina is so so much better. I hope this helps. Oh and my bc was estrogen positive and both Merci Womens and Royal Melbourne were happy with this solution. Janine x

Anastrozole is marketed as Arimidex is a medicine containing the active ingredient(s) anastrozole.

• Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) - block oestrogen production, but only work for post-menopausal women. AIs commonly used in Australia include Arimidex, Femara and Aromasin. There are also generic versions of these drugs available.