After a break, Letrozole, continued...

Unfortunately, the thing about even about natural menopause, is that they just don't know.  So I don't think they have a clue about menopause from AIs.  It's been a women's unimportant issue and not acknowledged - after all, who cares about old women?  So, symptoms can be mild or non-existent, or they can be severe and go on for years but as there's so little research been done, the best you can do is ask older female relatives how they have coped.  What Letrozole adds to the mix, who knows?  I officially finished menopause a couple of weeks before I started chemo.  I had night sweats for a few months during the previous year.  I have had minor hot flushes since going on the AI and can get too warm in bed during the night.  The worst symptom for me is the headaches.  I don't have female rellies to ask but I do remember my Mum complaining about bad headaches in her mid-50s so I guess that's what it was.

As for Letrozole attacking weak spots, I'm guessing that's right.  I had arthritis showing on my scan before surgery in the same areas that I'm now struggling with joint pain.  My onc asked me last visit if I had had any problems with those areas before treatment and the answer was no, except for some neck issues.  So I'm guessing that the Letrozole has brought on the arthritis much more quickly than it would have developed if I wasn't on it.  I don't know, but strongly suspect, that it's here now for good.