Forum Discussion
Hormone suppression
Hi everyone,
I'm 33 and was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer in February last year. I've finished chemo, a double mastectomy and reconstruction. I'm now on Zoladex injections and daily Exemestane. Prior to cancer and I had an anxiety disorder which was mostly well managed however over the past few months I've become increasingly depressed (to the point where I just want to lay in bed all day) and have wondered if it's the hormone suppression medication. Has anyone else experienced this on Zoladex and or Exemestane?
Appreciative of any comments.
I'm 33 and was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer in February last year. I've finished chemo, a double mastectomy and reconstruction. I'm now on Zoladex injections and daily Exemestane. Prior to cancer and I had an anxiety disorder which was mostly well managed however over the past few months I've become increasingly depressed (to the point where I just want to lay in bed all day) and have wondered if it's the hormone suppression medication. Has anyone else experienced this on Zoladex and or Exemestane?
Appreciative of any comments.
10 Replies
- I have never been a runner ( but good luck to those who like it and can) and this line from the mother of a friend of mine possibly belongs in the “ funnies” thread:
” Never run after a man or a bus - another one will be along in due course”. - Well done on your running! I am in awe!
That's good that your Onc has given you a break from the AI .... many of us have done the same, for good effect. That's great that you don't have the aches & pains!
take care & all the best - Fingers crossed
- Oh I’m still sorry to hear that - yes if you feel better after going off the drugs you will hopefully be better placed for your medical team to have a plan.
- Hi @Julez1958,
I've already tried regular exercise, pre cancer I was running 10km+ and went to the gym frequently as I was already using this as a mental health tool, however it didn't seem to matter that I was exercising everyday, meditating, seeing a psychologist and doing breathing exercises every day post cancer, I'd always end up in a depressive episode. Anyway, my oncologist has told me to take a break from my AI and Zoladex injection and see what happens. - Hi @Kim21
firstly, so sorry to see you here but there is plenty of support on this network.
I am 63 so in a different age bracket and have been on Letrazole and now anastrozole for a combined period of 18 months.
When my GP gave me my BC diagnosis, and said it was good news it was ER positive I said what do you mean ? She said there is a drug you x can take that is very effective in preventing the cancer recurring.
When I looked at the side effects brochure I thought “ so this is good news?”
The best comment I read on here where lots of people were commenting on side effects such as joint pain ( that’s me!) etc was someone saying the best side effect was they were still here😊
But side effects can be debilitating and can cause depression or depression can itself be a side effect.
Get your GP to give you a mental health plan to see a psychologist as it’s worth doing.
Also lots of studies have shown the value of exercise for cancer survivors in terms of both mood elevation and preventing recurrrnce.
I try and do at least 30 minutes of walking every day and I believe it has helped me.
Take care🌺 - Get onto it sooner than later, @Kim2021 - you don't want to let it get a hold. xx
Your Cancer Centre/Breast Care Nurse may also be able to put you onto a psychologist who is experience in breast cancer side effects.
Also, maybe check out this series of podcasts by a psychologist who went thru BC and all the surgery & side effects ...
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23866/podcast-series-upfront-about-breast-cancer-what-you-don-t-know-until-you-do-with-dr-charlotte-to/p1
https://bit.ly/3oD0S0C - I don't get bone pain, but I seem to get depression which I've never really had before I started hormone treatment
- Sorry to see you've joined our exclusive club, @Kim2021 ..... that no-one ever thought they'd join. Welcome to the blog! Chuck up any questions & we'll do our best to answer them honestly.
As @iserbrown mentions - many of us are fatigued, which is bad enough, but the AIs can also trigger lots of aches & pains, which, over time, can trigger depression & anxiety. Exemestane & Letrozole did that to me. I am now on Anastrazole and am coping much better. Your condition may suit Exemestane better than the other AIs - ask your Onc about the other ones, just in case you may be able to change & try another one.
You can also ring the helpline (phone number in the blue banner at the top of the page) and chat with a BCNA staff member, who may also be able to help with your question. xx
Take care xx - Hi @Kim2021
Sorry to read that your anxiety is dominant in your life at present. Most of us suffer from fatigue and just can't get for going as we are so exhausted by what we have been through, physically and emotionally
There's a couple of links below that may help however if you feel it is the medication as the main source please go and seek help from your medical team
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource/fact-sheet-anxiety-depression-and-breast-cancer/
Fatigue | Breast Cancer Network Australia (bcna.org.au)
Take care
