Letrozole

Deanne said:

Hi @Ady
I have been on Letrozole for just over a year now. Before that I was on Tamoxifen for 2 years. I had no real problem side effects on Tamoxifen but when I had to have my ovaries removed my oncologist switched me to Letrozole because it does give better protection against recurrence.
At the one month mark on Letrozole the aches and pains started with avengence. The hot flushes also worsened for a few months but have now just about gone. The pain comes and goes but is not as bad as the first few months. It is worst in my hands and seems to be related to some pre-existing mild arthritis that I had. The Letrozole just makes this a bit worse. I also (strangely) find the joint aches much worse when there is a storm or wet weather approaching. It is better once the storm or rain arrives!
I take krill oil, glucosamine and magnesium which seems to help. I also exercise which seems to help. I walk daily and do a weight lifting program 2 or 3 times a week. This is also to help with bone density which Letrozole has caused problems with for me. I find coffee (caffeine) makes it worse and some foods (red meat and tomatoes mostly). Salty foods also increase the pain for me. I use a lot of turmeric and ginger in cooking (these are natural anti-inflammatories) and believe this helps with the pain also.
I have also had my Vit D levels checked as this can make the aches and pains worse if you are deficient.
I have another 7 years to go on this medication (unless they discover something different). I hope you find that the side effects lessen over time. I have also heard that acupuncture can help. I might try this one day.  :)
Deanne xxx