Anti hormone therapy, Anastrozole, sexual function

@SoldierCrab? (I'm having a mental block which is not unusual - I have got you right as an administrator, haven't I?)

Hi there @Electra ...welcome with your first post, although I gather you've been reading other posts for the past few months. I'm 60 and also post menopausal. (Was post menopausal in my mid thirties, so very early). I was diagnosed two years ago, six months chemo then bilateral mastectomy thereafter. Couldn't have rads due to preexisting autoimmune condition. Am now on leterozole, which is also an aromatase inhibitor, similar to anastrozole (Arimidex). Have been for about a year now. Some folks get all or many of the side effects listed on the information blurb, and some get very few. You really won't know until you start. For me, because I have three overlapping autoimmune diseases, with their attendant problems, as well as the cancer and other shit, it's hard for me to apportion blame for various symptoms. For example, my scleroderma gives me severe joint pain and stiffness as well as muscle and tendon pain due to stiffness of the connective tissues. So what additional joint problems are from the leterozole, and what from progression of the other? I already had osteoporosis prior to starting on the leterozole, probably from the very early menopause as well as having been on cortisone (panafcort) for years now, So the bone thinning thing is also blurred as to what is responsible for further loss. As far as Downunder and libido, well for me, to further use the automotive slant used by our own inimitable @onemargie  on the sex thread, sometimes I have to give the old chorrie (South Africanism for old car) a push start and then pop the clutch to get the motor turning over. The old Bachman Turner Overdrive song thing of Taking Care of Business comes to mind. A squirt of this and a rub of that works wonders for me when I feel the need. I say give it a go, you can always stop if you can't bear it, but you won't have the same options the other way if things go pear shaped.

Such positive words Sister. Top marks to your oncology centre for employing a sexual health consultant and all the best for your appointment with her. It does seem to be a common problem but is not addressed by the medical profession in cancer treatment. A week ago I requested to join the "Let's talk about vaginas" group but have not received a reply yet.

@electra Power to you, woman!  But it seems that many of us have struggled with sexuality after menopause (natural or forced) and AIs.  I've still to find out how Letrozole will affect me - natural menopause and chemo have had enough impact.  My oncology centre has just employed a sexual health consultant and I'm going to be seeing her on her first day!  I want to head off any further problems.  Have you joined the "Let's talk about vaginas" group?