Exemestane and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• rol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2013

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "Quit anastrozole after 4 months, it was making me so tired. I could hardly get out of bed and was falling asleep at the wheel. I have been on Aromasin for 4 months, and my hair is falling out quite a lot."

• Del...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 4, 2020

For Breast Cancer "I’ve been on AIs since 9/2017 for BC in 2016. I’ve used all 3 and am currently on exemestane. All 3 have caused a significant amount of hair loss, muscle aches, horrendous joint pain, sores in my throat and elsewhere on a regular basis now, and worse...broken bones within just a few months of each other without falling or tripping. I’m on my 4th broken bone, this one on my spinal cord. I have a huge decision to make."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 22, 2017

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "Breast cancer. I began and continued Aromasin for 4 years plus-shrunk tumor to be non-detectable on mammogram or high-resolution scan! Aromasin brand no longer covered by my insurance-mandating use of generic instead. Can only pray that the generic will work as well as brand and with the zero side effects (except for hair thinning) that brand Aromasin provided! A true MIRACLE drug!"

• Bir...
• April 26, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I thought I was going crazy. Taking aromasin for 11 months. I fall asleep in the middle of the day, even nod off when I'm with friends. Terrible sleeplessness, hand joint pain in the middle of night, thinning hair (after losing hair after chemo). The fatigue makes me lack motivation, no interest in anything, poor eating habits, can't exercise, don't want to do anything. This is worse than Arimidex!"

• KC ...
• January 26, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking this for 4 years. I feel like my muscles have gotten a lot tighter, as I have plantar fasciitis and bursitis; that was helped with PT and stretching. My hair was thinning, I started taking a 'Hair, Skin, and Nail' vitamin supplement, and my hairdresser said my hair is looking healthy. I take a fish oil supplement and, of course, a calcium supplement (which my oncologist said I should). I have hot flashes at night, but I think if I were to chart those to my diet, it might be associated with alcohol and/or red meat. The best news is my cancer has not come back. But with any of these types of medication, it is hard to determine if that is indeed the source of the good (no cancer) or bad (side effects) outcomes."

• Kat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 2, 2021

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking exemestane for 2 1/2 years for DCIS. I have experienced severe joint pain, insomnia, hair loss, and weight gain. I started having cardiac symptoms (increased blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and heart palpitations) and decided to discontinue the medications. I would rather take my chances than have a cardiovascular event-heart attack or stroke."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this for 2 years now. I have recently noticed that I have been very tired. In addition, last week, I noticed that my hair was falling out. My hair is so thin and weak and has been shedding. I tried to search if anyone else had hair loss with this medication. I am so not going back on this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2017

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this for 2 years now. I have recently noticed that I have been very tired. In addition, last week, I noticed that my hair was falling out. My hair is so thin and weak and has been shedding. I tried to search if anyone else had hair loss with this medication. I am so not going back on this."

• Twi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 24, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Been on this for a few months, bone pain, fatigue, weight gain, pain in feet and legs, migraine headaches, more depression, anxiety, and hair loss, vision issues, tinnitus. Was on Fareston for over 5 years and made a choice to change as it may have caused other serious accumulating health issues, although not cancer. Also have lymphedema and have custom-made garments to keep potential infections under control, which has been ongoing for about 7 years. So far, these side effects are less than Fareston. Unable to tolerate Tamoxifen post breast CA, Stage 3A. I do not expect to be free of any side effects, rather having some quality of life, and hopeful."

• Con...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 20, 2022

For Breast Cancer "So many reviews of this drug with horrible side effects. My journey started last May with stage 1A breast cancer, ER positive. Lumpectomy with 2 nodes removed in June. Started radiation in August along with Anastrozole. Started having burning, pins-and-needles feeling in my face, then went to my head. Every few weeks it spread to a different part. Radiation oncologist and medical oncologist said no, it was not radiation or hormone blockers causing this. I suffered from hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, diarrhea, low libido, depression, bone pain, confusion and memory issues, vaginal dryness, and hair loss. I kept telling doctors it was the medication, but they insisted it was not. In December, the oncologist switched me to exemestane because I complained. The bone pain lifted but I started having frequent urination, bladder issues. Had a severe sore throat for a month. Started having itching from chest up, so the oncologist finally took me off. I have an appointment tomorrow."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2021

For Breast Cancer "Been on Aromasin for 7 months and supposed to take it for 10 years. Not even 1 full year in yet, and I'm falling apart. I'm 38 and was a healthy, active young woman prior to cancer and meds. Now I'm borderline depressed, extremely fatigued and tired, achy joints, mean, moody, and insensitive, lethargic, no energy nor interest, not sleeping despite taking Gabapentin, thinning hair, genital/urinary problems, and unrelenting, unforgiving hot flashes. I'm struggling to work my normal full-time job and will have to go down to part-time. Married with 4 kids and will continue to take in hopes of reducing a recurrence."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 16, 2023

For Breast Cancer "I have been on this for over eight years. I hate it! It’s really starting to take a toll on my physical and mental state. My skin is a mess (skin tags, yuk), weight gain, insomnia, facial hair, and thinning hair. I need to come off of it. My doctor recommends I take it for 10 years."

• deb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2023

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "I believe I am experiencing hair loss. Is this connected with Aromasin?"

• Zep...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 19, 2023

Exemestane for Breast Cancer "Extreme joint pain, including trigger fingers, wrist pain. Thinning hair. Hypertension-my BP has always been optimal. Tired of generally feeling awful 24/7. Not sure I can do 4 more years."

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 11, 2023

For Breast Cancer "Not good! Osteo, bone pain, weight gain, and hair loss."