Anastrozole and Hot Flashes: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sur...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I started anastrozole one year ago in June 2014 after a double mastectomy. I did not need chemo or radiation as I caught the cancer early and my Oncotype DX score was very low. The first 3 months I didn't notice any side effects. But then I gained (so far) 10 lbs. and I am very active and work out 5 days a week with weights and cardio (I am 60 yrs. old now). My hips, lower back, especially left side, and knees hurt a lot and my knees feel weak. It makes it very difficult to get up off the floor. Also, both thumb joints hurt all the time. No hair loss or nail issues, but some hot flashes. I wonder if it will get worse - still have 4 years left."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 29, 2019

For Breast Cancer "This caused side effects in that I had rare kidney infarcts (shower of blood clots) hit my right kidney. Six days in the hospital with everything else ruled out. Now on Aromasin. I had symptoms early on a few months after starting Arimidex. Veins in my hands would hurt very bad, then turn red/purple and then ruptured under the skin. I also had a very painful big toe weeks before the blood clots hit. Oncologist and NP ignored my concerns and kept me on the medicine. Needless to say, I have a new oncologist. Aromasin still causes the usual hot flashes, joint muscle pain, fatigue, and nausea. But better on all of those symptoms than I was with Arimidex. Good luck, ladies!"

• Hea...
• December 7, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed in 1/2016: estrogen-receptive intraductal papillary carcinoma, left breast. Lucky to have a lumpectomy and clear margins. No lymph nodes. However, had a heart attack and quad bypass a week later. So-no radiation on orders of the cardio doctor. No Tamoxifen since heart disease is a side effect. Began Arimidex in April. I am up 30 pounds, the hot flashes/night sweats are horrible, tired all the time, no sex drive, vaginal dryness (taking Osphena for that, which helps), depressed, short of breath. So far no joint pain but swelling in my feet if I sit too long. Everyone says 'exercise!' but it's hard to do that when I just want to sleep! Wondering if it is worth it for the small percentage it can offer."

• Taz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I wish I would've been told quality of life would be so severe. Been on Anastrozole for 3 years - severe hot flashes, mood swings - the medication doesn't work - but oncologist insists I take it - I do in case they test for it. Fond natural rhubarb helped me 100% get rid of my hot flashes - not covered under insurance, $35.00. My bones ache now when it's cold, different aches & pains daily. They deny osteoporosis due to the pill - but I never had this kind of pain - my hips actually hurt when cold, they can't move. I have 7 more years - I do not think I can stay that long - with these bone issues & mood swings. Hot flashes make me smell like a man who has not showered and just played sports - his underarm smell - this is due to the radiation treatment."

• Ann...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 14, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I was researching vaginal pain and wound up on this site, and I am so grateful I found it! I have been on Arimidex for 5 years and have experienced it all--insomnia, hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, tired during the day (I sometimes fall asleep sitting!), memory loss, losing words, OMG, I could go on and on! For all this time, I've thought that the chemo left me in this state. Now I see that there's a chance it's not permanent! I will call my doctor tomorrow to discuss my treatment end date. The last time we spoke, he indicated that he would like me to take anastrozole indefinitely. Now that I know that most of my issues could be due to the medication, it's time to make educated decisions. I might possibly get back to 'normal'!"

• Too...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 1, 2018

For Breast Cancer "Am on brand name anastrozole/Arimidex almost a year now for early stage invasive breast cancer. I developed unabating severe hot flashes, several times per hour, which are mostly controlled now with low dose venlafaxine 12.5 mg twice a day. I have lost weight, which is good. The most disturbing side effects are neurocognitive, i.e., thinking slower, forgetting little things, misreading, having to write more things down. I feel like my previously very high IQ has dropped at least 30 points."

• Anonymous
• November 2, 2011

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Arimidex for 3 years and about 1 year of the generic anastrozole. I had a horrible time at first with hot flashes and night sweats and also joint pains. But now, after about 4 years, I am doing a lot better. Hardly any hot flashes and night sweats. The joint pains have also subsided, but I have started a walking program every day that I really believe has helped me. I have gained about 20 lbs in the past 4 years that I am trying to get off. I really think it is due to menopause and also the medicine."

• ove...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 24, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Been taking anastrozole for approximately two and one-half years. First year hot flashes, but no other problems. Started the joint pain about a year ago, tiredness, swelling, and problems listed by other users. Most worrisome side effect is the loss of lung function. I have had pulmonary fibrosis for several years, but until about a year ago have been able to live with the condition with no major problems. Told several doctors about my problems with breathing, but none have suggested it was anastrozole until my PharmD told me pulmonary edema was also a side effect of the drug. Left a message with my oncologist this morning that I was going to stop taking the drug. Have an appointment with my pulmonologist next week for an evaluation."

• Anonymous
• February 22, 2012

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this medication for 4 months and have gained 20 lbs. I have terrible hot flashes and am tired all the time. I have not experienced joint pain as others have, but the weight gain is very uncomfortable. I am having a double mastectomy in 2 months and hope I don't have to take this afterward."

• Bli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 27, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Breast Cancer Stage 1 lumpectomy, 20 radiation treatments - advised Anastrozole - advised previous chronic problems: fibromyalgia, degenerative disc lower back. Side effects: intensified hot flashes, insomnia, and chronic fibro, hip, back pain. I was expecting these side effects, and since I was already experiencing them for many years, the intensity was not expected. The hot flashes are being treated by black cohosh and Effexor, taken morning and evening. Reduction in frequency and intensity of hot flashes. I thank you, ladies, for confirming the side effects that I am experiencing. I also have been having an increased loss of hair each day, but that seems to be abating a bit!"

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2022

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Invasive ductal carcinoma, HER2+, stage 1. Surgery to remove the tumor in April 2021 and 9 weeks of radiation finished in June 2021. I just started this medication in April 2022 because I could not get estrogen down naturally with the help of integrative medicine. I’ve read so many negative posts about the medication, so I was trying everything to avoid it. Lots and lots of pressure from oncology. I decided to start on 1/2 a pill and adjust to the medication side effects. They are real: joint pain, mood swings, and hot flashes. I am going to have my estrogen tested again and see if it’s low enough to continue with the 1/2 dose. Not sure what the future holds with this medication, but after trying alternatives, I felt like there wasn’t much choice. Try it slow. My oncologist did say you can take 1/2 a pill or one every other day, women are doing doses differently, it just may extend the amount of time you take it."

• CKa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 19, 2021

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "I have been on Arimidex for one year now. Side effects like everyone else are the bone and muscle pain, hot flashes, insomnia, and just now taking B-6 for the muscles, vitamin D, and calcium for the bones and a probiotic for the stomach/gastro issues. Bought a new bed, see a chiropractor once a month, etc. So many life changes just to be able to tolerate this med. As a person with high blood pressure to start with and on an HBP med, about 10 months in my BP started to climb. I was doing all the same things every day. Walking, green tea, beet juice, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and by the time I was 11 months in it was 179/109. Stopped the Arimidex for 2 weeks, and it's down to 135/81. I am NOT crazy...I really think it is increasing my blood pressure. Going to start the Arimidex again for a week and see what happens. Hoping for the best! Stay strong everyone, this too shall pass :)"

• Tur...
• March 28, 2017

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I was dx lobular/mixed Stage 3A BR Ca Hercept-, Estr and Progesterone+ in Nov 2012. Had lumpectomy for a 5 cm tumor and 9/16 + lymph nodes. Had chemo and radiation full boat. Anastrozole is difficult but lifesaving. I always see the cup as half full, and for me, this is now more important than ever! I was 66 when diagnosed and am now 70. I do have occasional hot flashes that go away quickly. My biggest complaint is sore hands and knees. My feet also tingle, but I believe that is from the Taxol chemo. I find walking and getting up out of a chair difficult. BUT I recommend swimming. I go 3-4 times a week, and wow, what a difference! Water aerobics are great too. Try it and do what you can, and you will feel a difference. Some days better than others!"

• ksm...
• October 12, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Only been on for 5 months after bilateral mastectomy (no chemo or rads). First month, extreme hot flashes. In the last month, trouble sleeping due to hip pain and leg pain on the right side - thought at first from jogging and waterskiing, which I've done for years, but doesn't seem to correspond with those activities each day. On Humira for RA, but didn't have these symptoms while on it. Will try additional Vitamin D as suggested. Since I had a recurrence after 23 years, do not want to stop taking."

• deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2023

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I've only been on this drug for less than 4 weeks. During that time, my wrists became very weak. I need both hands to hold my drink. Hot flashes were through the roof (was wearing two shirts and they soaked through), vaginal discharge, and weight gain. Also, my cravings for all food increased dramatically, which caused the weight gain when before, I would forget to eat breakfast until 2 p.m. I'm taking high doses of C, D, berberine, milk thistle, and fembendazole. I can't imagine what I would be like without those supplements. I looked up anti-estrogen foods and found a list for 18 anti-estrogen foods on YouTube, including BROQ Sulforaphane, which is very promising. I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in September 2020 and told to get my things in order. I've done many alternative treatments. My radiologist told me to keep doing what I'm doing. Anastrozole is off my list. I'm a dog breeder and need to lift puppies. I won't suffer through the ramifications of bone loss from this awful drug."

• Mst...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 9, 2023

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 1, grade 2 triple-negative breast cancer in October of 2018. I had a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. I started Arimidex in October 2019. The side effects have been many. I have had severe joint pain, insomnia, severe hot flashes, weight gain, memory loss, dry skin, some dizziness, dry eyes, and I’m sure many more I’ve gotten used to. In October, I will have taken it for 4 years. Though I have suffered through this, I feel that I can handle one more year (I hope). I was put on gabapentin for joint pain and hot flashes, but I feel it is no longer working and have slowly gone off this medication. My recurrence rate, I’m told, is 2%. I am going to revisit my symptoms again at my next oncology appointment. I am forever grateful to still be alive, and though the side effects are, some days, unbearable, I will remain on anastrozole as long as my physician recommends."

• Dia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I started taking this drug on Dec 31, 2020. Happy New Year. lol. I have been taking Vitamin D and won't take calcium supplements, as my previous health doctor told me too much calcium can cause heart attacks in women. So I will stick to a proper diet instead. I hate the hot flashes, eye vision problems, and hard to sleep sometimes. I was reading that it can cause back pain, and that's what I got recently. The joint pain is only in my knee. However, I am looking forward to getting back into the gym and lifting weights again, so I am hoping some symptoms go away. Cheers!"

• She...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 25, 2022

For Breast Cancer "1st diagnosis, no lymphoid involvement, small tumor, had a lumpectomy with no chemo or radiation. 2 years later, it was in my scar and 1-3 lymph nodes. Don’t really know if they got it all out the first time. No chemo or radiation, but chose double mastectomy with reconstruction and endocrine therapy. I’m not sure when it became a do-it-all treatment, but seems to be the recommendation these days. I have been on Anastrozole for over 5 years. I thought I would jump at the chance to get off of it, but studies are showing you're better off to take it for 7 years. I might be higher risk due to no chemo or radiation. Not sure how I feel about that. I’ve had hot flashes, brain fog, some weight gain, just have to work harder. I’ve had ear ringing and dizziness at times, but it goes away. Hair loss and muscle and joint recovery after workouts has been tough. Side effects seem to be getting worse after the 5-year mark. I’ve lost interest in intimacy."

• Kel...
• September 2, 2015

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "I have been on Arimidex for a little over 4 months. Other than a little bit of hot flashes, I have had no side effects at all."

• alb...
• January 29, 2011

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Bone pain, faster pulse rate, hot flashes. Don't know if I can continue taking this for 5 years."

• JWa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2019

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Have been on Arimidex for 6 months, bone and joint pain and hot flashes have been the worst side effects. Starting Tamoxifen in 2 weeks, praying this one is better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Side effects of joint pain, depression, irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, midsternal chest pressure, and headaches. Stopped medication, and within 48 hours, symptoms improved."

• Pam...
• October 25, 2016

Anastrozole for Breast Cancer "Lots of hot flashes, fatigue, and weight gain, but the benefit outweighs the negatives of this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 15, 2022

For Breast Cancer "Vaginal dryness, so sexual intercourse was painful and had slight bleeding afterward. Terrible hot flashes and insomnia. I switched to tamoxifen, and all areas improved for me."