Letrozole explained - a good read

I have been on letrozole since about May 2025. I took a 3 mth break from March 2026 as my cholesterol was checked and was sky high (both the total and ldl).  GP and cardiologist wanted me on statins but I pressed for heart ctca which gave me score of zero so no need for statins.  Yay!  My next cholesterol check had reduced although still in high range, but oncologist said I was ok to return back on letrozole.  However within 3 wks of since re-starting I noticed quite sudden return of breathlessness, weakness in limbs, peripheral neuropathy got worse, new symptom of sore knuckles in morning, and internal tremor, increased sweatiness and pounding heart (sometimes racing other times normal rate).  Quality of life has taken a downturn just as I was starting to feel like I could function at around 50-70%, now I feel function has dipped to 30-40%.  GP had thyroid tested and it’s all out of balance, initially hyper but now endocrinologist thinking more likely hypo/hashimotos.

 Anyone else feel like they sick of feeling sub optimal when everyone would say “ it takes 1-2 yrs to get over chemo”. Well it’s been 15 mths since finishing chemo and I’ve got my hair back and my colour is good so I look well but still feeling flat most days.  I’ve decided to go off the letrozole and focus instead on restoring my thyroid without added stress on my body,  I feel like my body needs to focus on reducing inflammation via good nutrition and finally seeing an exercise physiologist to address inactivity, plus a rest from all the drugs and their side effects. Hoping to avoid thyroid meds too but may have to if I become hypo in my thyroid.  If I raise with my oncologist she’ll still advise me to have letrozole and not be concerned with my symptoms and quality of life. For me if I weigh up all the risks and all the benefits I feel the potential benefit of letrozole does not outweigh risks for me.