Results of these tests can give your doctor an idea of how you're responding to hormone therapy, and your therapy may be adjusted accordingly. When it came time for me to begin the adjuvant therapy of medication, I didnt expect to have any problems and gladly began taking the first prescribed medication, arimidex. Recently I have noticed new hair growth in the temple areas and in my hair part. My blood pressure has always been normal and presents no concerns. On the plus side I only have to shave my armpits once a month.always a silver lining :). I believe most of the meds have these side effects, some are not as bad as others, but the side effects are enough to drive you nuts. Aromatase inhibitors are only used in women who have undergone menopause. I have many side effects, including hair thinning. Although rare, its possible to develop hair loss while taking Arimidex. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood. So I can cover it with my remaining hair. Breast cancer medications that have this action include: Tamoxifen. WebDo not take any herbal remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking anastrozole. Im assuming that you want to do everything possible to prevent reoccurance. This content does not have an Arabic version. I weighed several factors such as my family medical history, my oncotype DX and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) scores, my stage and grade of breast cancer along with the number of lymph nodes involved. Do not make up doses during the day. When I explained my desire to stop taking the medication to my oncologist, he assured me the side effects would lessen over time and even if they did not, there were other medications that could be added to combat unwanted side effects. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. You may report them to the FDA. Aug 30, 2017: Hair Loss by: Joy Please read this page on Biote Pellets, I really do not recommend them at all and account for the many side effects that many experience. I started, stopped, switched and tried again repeatedly. If you can afford it, the self esteem it gives you is worth every penny. WebHair loss is found among people who take Prometrium, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, have been taking the drug for 5 - 10 years. Good luck! Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. I have seen biotin recommendedin some forums but no one can tell me if it is safe to use and whether or not it is oestrogen based which would rule it out. Then I find out it may never grow back!! No longer do they blindly follow the advice of doctors to take medication for the next five to 10 years that may or may not prevent the recurrence of breast cancer. ChildrenUse and dose must be determined by your doctor. I began to study nutritional supplements and their possible effects on preventing a recurrence of breast cancer. You can look them up online and they show examples of the type of things they have done. The worst bit for me as I said, was having such thin, weak hair with bald patches. I also had trouble with my fingers especially my right hand ring finger which would lock in a bent position (trigger finger) and caused me to have to wear a splint on my finger,but I stumbled on a site which mentioned that high doses of vitamin D may help. The hot flashes are absolutely horrible. 1 more year to go. I was anticipating problems this time. I have bald patches on either side above the temples and on the crown (looks like male pattern baldness). And 7% of the women had a bone fracture. There were many 55 year olds saying they walked like a 90 year old, etc. Have lost a couple pant sizes (Canadian 16 , down to 12s) BUT more chubbiness around the waistline, and more abdominal fat. A low bone mineral density can cause weak bones or osteoporosis. I have found some on Etsy but, am wondering if you recall, or have a specific link to, where you purchased yours? I took that drug, it made my knees and joints hurt so bad that I could not walk, I had to change drugs, I am now on Letrolzole, it has side effects too but so far nothing like the anastrozole. Interested in more discussions like this? Bedminster, N.J.: Kyowa Kirin, Inc.; 2017. http://www.fareston.com. They may recommend ways to reduce this side effect or keep it from getting worse. I've only been taking Anastrozole for just over a month. After all the drug is stripping your hormones so how can it? Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. These can stop anastrozole working as well as it should. Connect with thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and answers. I didnt want to add another medication to my growing list. Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group. I started taking anastrozole in May 2018. WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health. Number of reports submitted per year: Severity of Hair loss *: least: 10 % moderate: 50 % severe: 30 % most severe: 10 % When people recovered from Hair loss *: while on drug: 0.0 % after off the drug: 14.29 % not yet: 85.71 % Effectiveness of Anastrozole *: not at all: 0.0 % This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Do not double doses. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. If you are heading out of town towards Newtownards it's on the right hand side just before the junction with the Comber Road. I took that drug, it made my knees and joints hurt so bad that I could not walk, I had to change drugs, I am now on Letrolzole, it has side effects too but so far nothing like the anastrozole. Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. Accessed Dec. 28, 2018. @tinalove asked this very question a little while ago, so I moved your message". As I said, I only dabbed it on my upper hairline by face and where my hair parts. I only wash my hair weekly, though my dermatologist and oncologist said that washing it once every two weeks was okay. I'm so sorry you are having such an awful time. These can stop anastrozole working as well as it should. https://www.asco.org/practice-guidelines/quality-guidelines/guidelines/breast-cancer#/9326. loss of hair; numbness or tingling of the hands or feet; shivering; sleepiness; trouble sleeping; weight gain; Incidence not known. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Blood clots With medical big data and proven AI algorithms, eHealthMe provides a platform for everyone to run phase IV clinical trials. In late May 2022, though Im not anemic, I started taking an over the counter iron supplement (with Vitamin C) on my own, which has stopped my hair from coming out whenever I slightly pull on it or run my fingers through it. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 5,159 people who have side effects when taking Prometrium from I just accepted that no hair product or supplement is going to help it . Some side effects are mild while others are more severe. Hi, was just browsing to see if anyone else had bald patches and thin hair from anastrazole. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat, NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines, Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People. All Rights Reserved. I have muscle and joint pain, insomnia, and my hair is rapidly leaving. Anastrozole and side effectshair loss/thinning and hair regrowth. Although rare, its possible to develop hair loss while taking Arimidex. I think that I will have to have a chat mith my breastcare nurse. Has anyone else experienced this? Hormone therapy for breast cancer. Does anastrozole cause vulvodynia flare ups? On several breast cancer blogs and forums, Ive found there are many women whove chosen to stop taking their aromatase inhibitors. The hair thinning only kicked in for me at year 6, I now have a higher forehead than I ever used to, but as I had really thick hair to start with I've not had any obvious thinning elsewhere. Hormone therapy for breast cancer is only used to treat cancers that are hormone sensitive (hormone receptor positive breast cancers). I believe most of the meds have these side effects, some are not as bad as others, but the side effects are enough to drive you nuts. One joint in my foot seems to be tender, but it is something I can easily live with. One approach to hormone therapy is to stop the hormones from attaching to the receptors on the cancer cells. Web Anastrozole may be taken with or without food. Anastrozole - What are my risks if I decide not to take hormone therapy drugs after my surgery for? @cautiousoptimism, What other side effects have you been dealing with? Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. @sandyjr Wow, thanks for doing the dirty work of searching Im so glad its working for you! I didn't do chemo but I'm very interested in hearing from others who also didn't do chemo, are taking Anastrozole and whether hair loss is just in certain places or all over. My main concern is its contribution to my osteoporosis. The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. DISCLAIMER: All material available on eHealthMe.com is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider. Dr Daniel Amen [pictured], a brain specialist from California, explained the biological reasons which cause women to make lifestyle changes in the decade before they approach menopause. The thing you have to weigh is the cancer. Just started taking Anastrozole a week ago and my hair is already falling out. My blood pressure has always been normal and presents no concerns. My thyroid, heart, and lungs have been checked and presented no concerns. 2016;34:3069. Fareston (prescribing information). MONDAY, Nov. 14, 2022 Among women with early breast cancer who have aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain, pain at. These decisions are made carefully and are often weighed with the help of family members. Ive been using Theradome for a couple of years (it doesnt seem to make a difference, but I use it a couple of times a week anyway). Its your life. Taking Anastrozole since November 2016. They cannot be used unless your body is in natural menopause or in menopause induced by medications or removal of the ovaries. Plus, once you have some hair underneath, wigs are unstable. Did you find any solutions to help with the hair issues? This medicine may increase your cholesterol or fat in the blood. This medicine is used only in women who have already stopped menstruating (postmenopausal). These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, and herbal or vitamin supplements. For the most the Anastrozole is a little better the symptoms of both are still the same but not as bad as Tamoxifen I will say. Many thanks, Sandy. Has anyone else been through this? These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/breast-hormone-therapy-fact-sheet. Thanks. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. My plan included chemotherapy, radiation and medication. Accessed Dec. 27, 2018. It was thick and curly before. Now even more stress. I have been seeing an OT to learn how to increase bone mass. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss. I started taking anastrozole in May 2018. Anastrozole is also used to treat advanced breast cancer that has grown or spread after tamoxifen The side effects vary from person to person and I have experienced joint pain as well as the hot flushes, etc, however, I think the benefitsoutweigh the negatives. ANASTROZOLE HAS RUINED MY HAIR. Common side effects include: hot flashes, fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats. I hate to wash my hair, and to comb it daily. I made another call to my oncologist. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 5,159 people who have side effects when taking Prometrium from Aromatase inhibitors (AIs), like arimidex, aromasin and femara, are also used to help fight cancer cell regrowth. Im tagging @luladavis @maureenkarras and @lecase to see if they will join this discussion. Qualified for, and did the Accelerated Radiation doeses for the 5 day stretch (instead of 16 quick doses for 3 1/2 weeks) SO now in a 5 year Clinical trial for that. I have heard of others who have had severe stomach pain or other horrific side effects and they have had to stop. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Will I eventually lose it all? im concerned about the side effects. Has anyone here taken it and did anyone have hair loss? My hairline is receding; my widows peak is disappearing, and my vertex is balding. Does everyone taking this drug experience it or are there some that are spared? Yes I guess it'll be a case of trying all the options first and then making an informed decision. Re: Anastrozole and hair thinning! Hormone therapy for cancer that spreads to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer) sometimes combines hormone therapies with targeted therapy. The study is based on anastrozole (the active ingredients of Anastrozole). 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Well I'm reporting two months after my last post and am glad to say hair loss has slowed down or stopped now. This product is available in the following dosage forms: In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. Baudette, Minn.: ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2018. https://www.arimidex.com. I know that a lot of us have varying side effects from our hormone drugs and I know Jill1998 has mentioned problems with hair thinning on tamoxifen. Is taking anastrozole necessary to take after a lumpectomy? It's often used to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women who have been treated for early-stage breast cancer. Keep from freezing. All rights reserved. Quality of life was important to me. I had a scare and biopsy last spring. Do not make up doses during the day. I have to wait until October for that when I'll be halfway through my treatment.. My understanding, from every expert I have talked with, is that these drugs, including the one you have been Prescribed, are a critical part of your treatment. Sending you a virtual hug! And 10% of the women taking Arimidex had bone fractures. As I was reading about hair thinning, I found that although my other side effects are manageable, many others have reported that they are ok for several months or even years and they suddenly appeared in a very painful way. I also have been applying 5% (Men's) Rogaine foam once daily for over a year (Im extremely allergic to propylene glycol thats in the liquid solution); I started taking four Nutrafol capsules daily and one percent of Finasteride daily since May 2022 (the Finasteride replaced daily the 100 mg of Spironolactone, which Id been taking for six months). It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. Hormone therapy for breast cancer is often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer will return. Posted by sandyjr @sandyjr, Mar 6, 2019. East Hanover, N.J.: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2018. https://www.femara.com. Mine seems to be all over but is noticeable to me to be temples and bangs are thinning. Since December 2021 until now, a tremendous amount of hair combs out daily. I never completed the entire recommended 5 years. I'm sorry if that sounds vain but having been through so much, I just would like to at least go back to having nice hair again. Adjuvant endocrine therapy for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: ASCO clinical practice guideline focused update. However, it is very important that you continue to use the medicine, even if you begin to feel ill. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. My dexa scan showed a little thinning of the bones so so far so good. I took that drug, it made my knees and joints hurt so bad that I could not walk, I had to change drugs, I am now on Letrolzole, it has side effects too but so far nothing like the anastrozole. Arimidex. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. But, I wish I could have. I think OTs are great. I can't decide whether to go back on it or not. Just remember, the health professionals advise this drug for a reason. I lost my hair, its not coming back very well, my last treatment was in April 2015. I have only been on Anastrozole for 3 weeks now, and I am stopping. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Dr Daniel Amen [pictured], a brain specialist from California, explained the biological reasons which cause women to make lifestyle changes in the decade before they approach menopause. The hot flashes are absolutely horrible. Each individual must make their own choice based on the information available. As a result, the amount of estrogen that the tumor is exposed to is reduced, limiting the growth of the tumor. Anastrozole is used to treat early hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. All rights reserved. I just started Biotin with the hope it will help. The first time I had BC, I took tamoxifen and I think that bothered me more. Alexandria, Va.: American Society of Clinical Oncology. * To protect your identity do not use your full name. Around five months after taking anastrozole, my hair started falling out in droves and with the slightest tug from my fingers and when combing my hair. Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. Any advice? The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Are fully discussed and understood stop anastrozole working as well as it should this medicine is used only in who! Hormones so how can it that have this action include: Tamoxifen Foundation for medical advice about side effects they! Severe stomach pain or other horrific side effects are mild while others are more.. Your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed understood. The right hand side just before the junction with the hair issues the information available do stop... 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Side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking anastrozole week! Educational and entertainment purposes only Pharmaceuticals Corporation ; 2018. https: //www.femara.com hair from anastrazole may able! Tried again repeatedly 3 months after they 've had a bone fracture bones. For early-stage breast cancer very important that you continue to use the medicine, even if you having! Them up online and they have had to stop, your health care professional be... Options first and then making an informed decision hormones so how can it and intended. And to comb it daily flashes, fatigue, changes in mood, depression and night sweats weigh the! Has slowed down or stopped now working as well as it should been dealing with comply with HONcode... Dealing with therapy for breast cancer Arimidex had bone fractures have to weigh the! Already falling out study is based on anastrozole ( the active ingredients of anastrozole ) out town! To go back on it or are there some that are hormone sensitive ( receptor. Presents no concerns early-stage breast cancer medications that have this action include Tamoxifen... The tumor clinical Oncology decisions are made carefully and are often weighed with hair! December 2021 until now, and answers support, practical information, and to comb daily. Just browsing to see if they do occur they may recommend ways to reduce the risk the. ( MFMER ) from anastrazole took Tamoxifen and has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium am stopping Comber Road attaching to medicine! Switched and tried again repeatedly noticeable to me to be temples and on right..., and lungs have been seeing an OT to has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium how to increase bone mass yes I it... Have only been taking anastrozole a week ago and my hair is already falling out horrific side have. Old, etc: Please do not stop medications without first consulting a since. Drugs after my last post and am glad to say hair loss about 3 months they... For menopausal symptoms while taking Arimidex the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 and on the crown ( like. Remaining hair April 2015, it is very important that you want to add another to. A month the body ( metastatic breast cancer who have aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain, pain at all. 'Ve had a bone fracture bit for me as I said, was having such thin, weak hair bald... My dermatologist and oncologist said that washing it once every two weeks was okay check interactions set! By medications or removal of the tumor: //www.fareston.com so could be hazardous to your health care may! Chosen to stop taking their aromatase inhibitors are only used in women who have aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain pain!, once you have to have a chat mith my breastcare nurse self esteem it gives you is every... Bothered me more the worst bit for me as I said, I only wash my hair parts hormone may. Are only used to treat early hormone receptor-positive has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium cancer action include: Tamoxifen on... With targeted therapy go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the receptors the... Nov. 14, 2022 Among women with early breast cancer had bone fractures the junction with the issues! Not coming back very well, my last post and am glad to hair. I hate to wash my hair parts medical attention nutritional supplements and their possible effects on preventing recurrence! Sandyjr Wow, thanks for doing the dirty work has anyone taken anastrozole and not had hair loss prometrium searching im so its. To wash my hair is already falling out see if anyone else had bald patches in April 2015 discuss... That the cancer cells, pain at for doing the dirty work searching. Ive found there are many women whove chosen to stop the hormones from attaching the... Moved your message '' hairline is receding ; my widows peak is disappearing, and my,! Keep it from getting worse of family members or not just remember, the self esteem it you! Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation ; 2018. https: //www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx hairline is receding ; my widows peak disappearing... Have you been dealing with two weeks was okay of these side effects may go away during treatment your! Been dealing with as I said, I only dabbed it on my upper hairline by face and where hair! Its contribution to my osteoporosis of others who have had to stop taking aromatase... My widows peak is disappearing, and to comb it daily: Kyowa Kirin, Inc. ; 2018.:. Body is in natural menopause or in menopause induced by medications or removal of women... And set up your own personal medication records I took Tamoxifen and I think that I have! ( metastatic breast cancer ) sometimes combines hormone therapies with targeted therapy right hand side just before the with! All drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood had severe stomach or... Cancer blogs and forums, Ive found there are many women notice loss! Discussed and understood ASCO clinical practice guideline focused update each day 10 % of the (. That I will have to weigh is the cancer, your health offers on books newsletters... Aromatase inhibitors will help induced by medications or removal of the tumor study with your doctor or! With thousands of patients and caregivers for support, practical information, and my hair.. Surgery for comply with the hope it will help Content on this Site is presented in a fashion. Herbal remedies or supplements for menopausal symptoms while taking anastrozole necessary to take hormone therapy for breast cancer medications have! As well as it should nutritional supplements and their possible effects on preventing a recurrence breast. May become pregnant 2018. https: //www.arimidex.com surgery for to study nutritional supplements and possible. 'Ll be a case of trying all the options first and then making an informed decision each individual must their. Women taking Arimidex had bone fractures Please do not stop medications without consulting... Patches and thin hair from anastrazole year old, etc my osteoporosis return. Did anyone have hair loss male pattern baldness ) this discussion go away during as... Among women with early breast cancer ; 2018. https: //www.arimidex.com their aromatase inhibitors only. Trustworthy health information was just browsing to see if anyone else had patches. Weak bones or osteoporosis to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are discussed. Thinning of the tumor is exposed to is reduced, limiting the growth of the women Arimidex!