Letrozole and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• Duc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer in 2015 at age 58. A lumpectomy was performed, and I was treated with four weeks of radiation. The cancer was 98% estrogen positive. I began first with Arimidex post-op, but after a while, I experienced severe muscle cramps (which may have been caused by a combination of medication problems at the time) and eventually switched to Letrozole. The cramping that I experience in my legs now is not nearly as severe and is doable. I've been on Letrozole for about a year and a half now. I'm writing because I wanted to let you know that if you are experiencing hair thinning while on Letrozole, I have found that taking a B-complex vitamin pill on a daily basis has been very helpful for me. My hair was thinning, but after about six months of taking a B-complex vitamin pill every day, I noticed that my hair thickened, and it now basically stays on my head. Just wanted to pass this information along."

• Lov...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 9, 2013

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "After a lumpectomy for stage 1 breast cancer, I was prescribed two other aromatase inhibitors prior to Femara. I had occasional head pain in one spot from all of them. I also had trigger finger and terrible knee pain from Arimidex. My doctor then put me on brand name Femara and the joint pain, head pain, and trigger finger all went away. What is bothering me now is the hair loss (can see my scalp!), memory loss-constantly groping for words. Sometimes I do feel like I'm 'foggy' but mostly I just can't remember words. I feel it is getting worse as time goes on and I do not understand why others report the same but there is no mention of this in the patient information leaflet."

• NJg...
• August 2, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Was on Letrozole for 7 weeks. Had debilitating side effects which included nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and weight loss, chronic fatigue syndrome type pain, bilateral swollen glands, joint pain, inflammation in any prior injury area, pain radiating from shoulders down to hands, anxiety including body tremors, agitation, depression, uncontrollable crying, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, feeling of being hit by a truck, the flu, laundry kicked down three flights of stairs, no energy, need to sleep during the day, inability to sleep at night, hair loss and hair thinning just to name the top side effects. Voluntarily went off drug. Oncologist confirmed that some women just can't handle this drug and I am one of them. A month later I am back to normal. I am cleaning house, I am sewing, I am reading and swimming."

• NJg...
• August 2, 2019

For Breast Cancer "Was on Letrozole for 7 weeks. Had debilitating side effects which included nausea, vomiting, appetite loss and weight loss, chronic fatigue syndrome type pain, bilateral swollen glands, joint pain, inflammation in any prior injury area, pain radiating from shoulders down to hands, anxiety including body tremors, agitation, depression, uncontrollable crying, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, feeling of being hit by a truck, the flu, laundry kicked down three flights of stairs, no energy, need to sleep during the day, inability to sleep at night, hair loss and hair thinning just to name the top side effects. Voluntarily went off drug. Oncologist confirmed that some women just can't handle this drug and I am one of them. A month later I am back to normal. I am cleaning house, I am sewing, I am reading and swimming."

• tin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 29, 2023

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "Awful! I've been on Femara for about 8 months. And since I started, I seem to have every single side effect. My joint and muscle pain is excruciating. In no particular order, I suffer with body pain (fingers, hands, shoulders, chest, back, sides, hips, legs, feet - basically everything head to toe). Plus, weight loss, hot flashes, headaches, dizziness, thinning of hair, dry mouth, high BP, night sweats. Even my scalp is tender. Chest pain that radiates to upper arms, shortness of breath, overall depression. Chills, insomnia, intestinal pain - sharp pains, plus dull aching. Constant feelings of nausea, diarrhea, constipation. I'm afraid to eat but also have little appetite. Brain fog, shortness of breath. Feeling that I am just going to die. Sitting up in pain all night. I hurt everywhere - too sick to move; too sick to cry. Feels like I am going to have a heart attack. Can’t lie down, can’t stand up. Full body chills, hands shaking. Haven't slept through the night in months."

• Sho...
• September 21, 2016

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I've been taking letrozole (Femara) for 9 months, after a right-side mastectomy for stage IIA breast cancer. I'm ER & PR positive. No radiation or chemo. I'm 58 & this is the only drug I take, besides vitamins. The first 6 weeks I had trouble sleeping, occasional dizziness, some joint pain, & mild headaches. Around 4 months in, I started losing hair. I'd guess approximately 25% of my hair has fallen out. Besides the hair loss, I have dry eyes, genitals, & skin. There's some stiffness & joint pain in my hips. These side effects are tolerable, especially knowing that the drug is preventing a cancer recurrence. None of these side effects are enough for me to stop taking letrozole!"

• Anonymous
• July 7, 2014

For Breast Cancer "I have been on Letrozole for 9 months. I have dry mouth, extremely dry skin, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, weight gain, and hair loss. My joints are increasingly stiff and painful. I wake in the night from pain and can scarcely walk first thing in the morning. My breast cancer was stage one and I had both breasts removed. I am considering stopping taking it."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2013

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I was diagnosed with breast cancer (stage 2) - underwent 6 months of chemo and 6 weeks radiation. My hair regrowth was pretty quick but began thinning significantly after about a year of Tamoxifen usage (could see my scalp pretty clearly in the front and on top of my head). My doctor switched me to Femara about 2 months ago - side effects include lots of hot flashes (about 6-10 daily) and weight gain which I am combating by working out every day and cutting my calories. I am prayerful that I don't experience any more hair loss or the joint pain that I keep reading about. Everyone, hang in there!"

• mar...
• May 21, 2013

Letrozole for Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "When I switched aromatase inhibitors from Arimidex to Femara, it was a world of difference! The terrible side effects I was experiencing made me question whether survival from breast cancer was worth it, if my life would be spent with Arimidex side effects of irritability, more hair loss, joint pains, etc. My oncologist switched me to Femara, and my life returned to be more pleasant and energetic. I have been suggesting this change to all my blogging support group members who are having problems with Arimadex. Later, adding OTC Biosil and SamE have also helped with the hair, joint, and mood issues."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 25, 2020

For Breast Cancer "In January 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Stage 2. 58 years old. Left breast mastectomy with no radiation and no cancer in the lymph nodes. Given Letrozole 2.5 mg. Side effects of this medication: severe hot flashes, chills, severe pain in my hands, knees, feet, and legs, foggy head, muscle pain, insomnia, poor memory, extreme tiredness, canker sores, and occasional pain in my upper abdomen. During the first four months, I experienced hair loss and itchy hands. I quit my job as I was just too tired to continue. Now, I wish I would have quit Letrozole instead. I will see my cancer doctor in a few months, and this will be discussed. If I don’t quit before."

• Jen...
• August 8, 2019

For Breast Cancer "A mammogram found a lump in my breast and I had a lumpectomy, followed by 5 weeks of radiation and the hormone blocker letrozole, which my oncologist strongly recommended. For about 3 years prior to the surgery, I had problems with back pain, lack of energy, depression, and asthma, which caused me to be very short-winded. Since the radiation, I find I'm more tired and my breathing is worse. I wake up tired, I go to bed tired. The letrozole has caused sweats and hot flashes worse than ever before. I wake up with excruciating joint pain every day, so bad that it feels as though my wrists, fingers, or arms are broken. During the night, my hips ache so much that I have to turn on my back. It is also causing hair loss. I'm on oxycodone, so once I get up and take the painkillers, the joint pain goes away. I was going to switch to tamoxifen until I read the side effects and the patient ratings, which were much worse than letrozole."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2009

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I am 52 years old, and I too feel older than I am. I already have problems getting out of bed, and I suffered with sarcoidosis, which affects the organs and causes joint pain, sending me constantly to different specialists. Now I am taking Femara, and it's not only causing me more pain, but it's causing my hair to fall out or thinning! I also notice that my vision is impaired sometimes when I'm driving, and I only drive when I have to, but sometimes I find myself trying hard to focus. This is scary! I am calling my oncologist tomorrow morning first thing."

• Anonymous
• December 13, 2009

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I am 52 years old, and I too feel older than I am. I already have problems getting out of bed, and I suffered with sarcoidosis, which affects the organs and causes joint pain, sending me constantly to different specialists. Now I am taking Femara, and it's not only causing me more pain, but it's causing my hair to fall out or thinning! I also notice that my vision is impaired sometimes when I'm driving, and I only drive when I have to, but sometimes I find myself trying hard to focus. This is scary! I am calling my oncologist tomorrow morning first thing."

• min...
• September 12, 2015

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "In 2011, I was diagnosed with stage 3A invasive ductal breast cancer. I went through chemo for 4 months and had a double mastectomy in March 2012, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. I was put on tamoxifen for a year and then Femara, which I currently take now. The biggest thing with Femara is feeling constantly tired and 'foggy'. I can handle the hot flashes (we live in Minnesota, where the winter lasts for 6 months) - I just walk around outside with a t-shirt on, and I'm good to go! Lately, I have been experiencing hair loss, and I don't know if it's due to the Femara. Anyone else have this problem? Please let me know. Hang in there, beautiful ladies (& men)."

• apr...
• March 21, 2016

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I have been on this drug for about 3.5 months now. I was on Aromasin (exemestane) for 2.5 years prior to starting letrozole. I was so hopeful that some of the horrible side effects would not affect me like they did on the exemestane...and for a while, it was not too bad. Now, in month 3, the side effects of severe joint pain, brain fog, and shortness of breath are back with a vengeance, and the last 3 times my blood pressure was taken, it was inching back up even though I started BP meds after the exemestane raised my BP. I never had any issues with my BP prior to taking these aromatase inhibitors. I guess my PCP will have to raise my dose of BP meds. I am also peeing constantly on letrozole, and my hair is coming out more on my brush! UGH!"

• MVR...
• March 3, 2012

Letrozole for Breast Cancer, Metastatic "After a year on Femara I am beginning to experience severe hair loss, bald patches on top of my head, and the hair is turning thin and brittle. Insomnia for the last 2 months, pain in my joints, I was diagnosed with Glaucoma and am very forgetful, i.e. find it difficult to concentrate. But, if Femara stops the recurrence of cancer, I'll keep taking it. If it just were not for the hair loss."

• joa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I started taking letrozole in June. Side effects started almost immediately: fatigue, hot flashes, joint and muscle aches, and hair thinning. I have cut my hair very short to hopefully make the thinning less noticeable. I just realized that I cut my hair 5-6 weeks ago, and it does not seem to be growing at all. Has anyone else noticed this side effect? I would recommend yoga and acupuncture to help with the side effects. Without them, I would not be able to tolerate this medicine! Good luck to you all who are taking this drug!"

• cmm...
• August 6, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I have stage 4 breast cancer and the looks at the hospital were not pretty. It did not look good for me. I have been on Letrozole for 6 months and it is working. The tumors are shrinking or disappearing and I feel so much better. My hands, feet, and legs are stiff but so what - I stretch them to loosen up. My hair is thinning but so what - there are other things I can use to cover my head. If God put this drug to cure me, I can take these small inconveniences. I am happy to know that this joint pain is caused by the medication. I would like to know if the medication actually heals and makes you cancer-free and if it can end or if medication is needed for my life. I am 54, almost 55, and if this pill can give me life, small side effects are ok."

• Gon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 2, 2018

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "1.7 years, loss of hair, hot flashes, shoulder, elbow, hip pain, dry mouth, high cholesterol, high glucose, high BP... But if it keeps cancer from returning, the side effects, hopefully temporary, will have been worth it."

• Anonymous
• March 31, 2018

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "Daily hot flashes and night sweats seem to be my worst side effects, especially when I'm hit with intense anxiety every time. My scalp is tender, and I've had hair thinning. I also have pain in my joints. But I do not want the cancer to come back. Invasive lobular carcinoma. Bilateral mastectomy."

• Diz...
• November 9, 2016

For Breast Cancer "Aged 76. I have been taking Letrozole for 2 years. I was very tired at first, but that was probably a result of chemotherapy. I still get weary, but it’s not bad. Initially, I had weird dreams, but these have eased. My hair is quite thin but improving. A bone scan shows no osteoporosis. I walk the dog daily and take calcium chews. I had heard that people experience side effects, but honestly, I don't. My GP tells me Letrozole is the 'Gold Standard,' and I am really thankful it is available. At least I am alive!"

• Non...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2019

For Female Infertility "I was on Clomid, never had a side effect. Once they switched me to letrozole (Femara), I got the same response as Clomid, but in 10 days of my first dose, my hair started falling out in bald patches. The doctor said no, it could be stress. Once I started my second dose, I got a few more patches in 10 days. I am still suffering from alopecia. The doctor finally admitted it’s one of the side effects, it happens to 5.5%, so be careful, ladies. Heads up."

• Non...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2019

For Female Infertility "I was on Clomid, never had a side effect. Once they switched me to letrozole (Femara), I got the same response as Clomid, but in 10 days of my first dose, my hair started falling out in bald patches. The doctor said no, it could be stress. Once I started my second dose, I got a few more patches in 10 days. I am still suffering from alopecia. The doctor finally admitted it’s one of the side effects, it happens to 5.5%, so be careful, ladies. Heads up."

• LAa...
• May 12, 2020

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "Been on this drug for 3 months. Extreme hot flashes. Severe chills. I am sleepy all day. I go to bed sleepy. I wake up sleepy. I fall asleep anywhere. My quality of life is gone because of no energy. Hair loss. Weight gain. Depression, which I did not have before. Dizziness and mental fogginess. All of these symptoms every single damn day."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 23, 2019

For Breast Cancer "I have been taking letrozole for over a year, and about six months ago developed hand and foot tremors, very mild, but never had those before this drug. Had lobular, did radiation, left breast, clean lumpectomy. Also had hair shedding and vaginal dryness. It does beat the cancer coming back, but I feel like a very old 61. Will be talking to the oncologist next month, maybe ask if I can take a break."