Letrozole and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Sta...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 9, 2020

For Breast Cancer "Started on Anastrozole for 4 months. It was debilitating to me. Could hardly move, could not sleep, could not focus, had serious brain fog. Oncologist switched me to Letrozole. Started off good, then about 4 months into it, I noticed my hands and feet were so sore, could hardly move them. Swelling, weight gain, intense hand, knee, and foot pain, foggy brain, sweating all the time. The knee pain got so bad, I could hardly walk. Took myself off them, seeing the oncologist in a couple of months. She said I had to have a bone scan and possible transfusion because Letrozole was known to cause issues with bones. I am 54 years old and was feeling like I was 80. I want a quality of life, decided to take the risk at this point. They all have the same side effects, not worth it to me."

• 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."

• dog...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 19, 2014

Letrozole for Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "I was diagnosed in 2009, had lumpectomy, chemo, radiation. Managed to continue working through it all. Then took tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years... had horrible muscle cramping and hot flashes, switched to letrozole after determining I was postmenopausal. The major muscle cramps lessened considerably, as did the hot flashes. I took this for 2 1/2 years, just stopping 3 weeks ago. I have muscle, joint, bone achiness 24/7, no energy, tired always, feel like I'm in a fog, tinnitus, heartburn, slow metabolism with weight gain. How long will it take to reverse all of these side effects now that I no longer take it? I even quit taking ibuprofen because it doesn't do anything for the pains. I am now 2 months from being 50 years old."

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2010

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "I was on Tamoxifen for 2 years following breast cancer and doing fine. My oncologist wanted to try Femara because it could be a little better. I was on it for about 3 months when I awoke in the middle of the night with horrible joint pain. It had been coming on slowly, but I thought it was carpal tunnel, maybe arthritis. Then I realized that my doctor had said that joint pain was a possible side effect of Femara. I was also gaining approximately 2 pounds a month! I have been off of it for a month now, but am still having pain. It is worse in the mornings and evenings. Trying to grip with my hands is very difficult some mornings. My doctor said it could take a few months to get this out of my system."

• CHA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 26, 2014

For Breast Cancer "Was on Arimidex for one year but was changed to Letrozole because I couldn't walk due to burning sensation. Side effects after treatment have been: bone weakening, fatigue, insomnia, night sweats, weight gain (40 lb), dry hair, feel older than 71, redness in my face, high blood pressure, neuropathy, burping, stiffness after sitting, memory loss, joint pain...but I am happy to be alive. I try not to complain because I want my husband to be happy."

• fae...
• October 1, 2016

For Breast Cancer "I'm 61 years of age. Approaching my 4th year of taking letrozole Accord. I am suffering with joint ache which attacks my knees, one ankle. Wrists, elbows but has now affected my hands, most particularly my middle fingers of each hand! I also get pins and needles in my hands. The morning stiffness is throughout my joints and takes a while to get going. I have calf pain and muscle weakness and blurry eyesight too sometimes. I don't complain as it's prevented the cancer returning. I do despair at my poor quality of life. I take calcium, magnesium, and pain relief. I walk every day and exercise. I've also gained weight. I'm glad to know there are others with similar side effects but even more glad that I'm here to share my story."

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2015

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "Diagnosed May 2014 with Stage 3 Breast cancer after chemo, removal of the tumor & lymph nodes, radiation. I started Femara, been on it almost 6 months and I have daily joint & muscle pain, fatigue, hot flashes, and most of all weight gain. I'm really trying to eat healthy and exercise, but working a full-time job, it's a tough routine to keep up with every day (55 and post-menopausal). But hey, I'm still here and hopeful the medication does a good job of keeping the cancer at bay. Doing my best with the symptoms."

• Ela...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2018

For Breast Cancer "Diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago. Took anastrozole, which had side effects: fatigue, memory loss, weight gain. Doctor changed me to letrozole. On it for 7 months, I have the worst joint, muscle, and body aches. There are some days I can’t stand up on my legs. My arms, shoulders, and back hurt constantly, fatigue. 7 months ago, I used to walk 2 miles a day. Today I can’t even get on a treadmill for 5 minutes. I have been taken off letrozole, it’s only been a week."

• Bus...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 26, 2020

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "Caused me weight gain, serious hot flashes, did not have joint pain, headaches, or dizziness before starting this medication. I know these are listed possible side effects, however, these do cause some functionality issues."

• Ama...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 13, 2017

For Breast Cancer "My fourth year on Letrozole. Diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2 hormone-estrogen positive in 2014. Opted for double mastectomy, no spread to lymph nodes, they also started the expanders right after double mastectomy. No chemo or radiation. Put on Letrozole, I noticed the weight gain right away, for me it is all in my stomach, looks like I am pregnant! I walk 3 miles 4 times a week and am very active. I did okay the first two years, but after the third year, every bone in my body hurts, especially my left hip which radiates down on the side of my leg. I take magnesium and vitamin D. I keep telling myself, just 24 more months on this med, but now I hear that they think 5 years may not be long enough!!!"

• Jue...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 9, 2016

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "My 6 months on Letrozole have been a nightmare; extreme hot flushes, soaked clothes/bedclothes. I can't fall asleep even though exhausted. I'm so fuzzy-brained I despair and have lost confidence in normal conversation. Bone pain and frequent lower leg cramps are excruciating. I've aged 10 years, changed shape, gained over 10 kg, all of it around my waist. I fall; I've sprained both ankles in six weeks. I never know when a fall is coming, there's no warning, I just collapse. In addition to my normal drug regime, I now need 5 additional drugs to try to counteract the side effects of Letrozole. It may be keeping me alive (who really knows?), but it's destroyed my life in the process. I dread to think what 4.5 more years on this drug will do to me."

• lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 20, 2015

For Breast Cancer "After stage 2 breast cancer/unilateral mastectomy, I took tamoxifen for 2 years, then switched to Femara about 4 months ago. My oncologist said this was largely because Femara is kinder to my kidneys. I truly hope the Femara is doing its job, because my fingers are stiff and swollen, and they hurt when I bend them. I now have 2 - 3 trigger fingers, depending on temperature and time of day, and I truly understand what a reviewer called 'Walter Brennan walk'! Stiff legs after sitting for as little as 5 minutes, and as an artist, pianist, and admin, this is definitely a quality of life issue for me. I am going to speak with my doctor again - he agreed that this was a side effect, but it's getting worse quickly, along with slight weight gain and low energy levels."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2013

For Breast Cancer "Some muscle and bone pain, but nothing unbearable. Weight gain... joining a gym. The closest thing to a hot flash is a pin prickly sensation. Overall happy with this so far... 9 months down, 51 more to go."

• Mas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Magnesium is key! I want everyone to know that the achiness goes away when I take magnesium. I'm taking 500 mg from a good vitamin company. Not sure if it's okay to put brand names here. I gained 20 lbs, and none of my carefully acquired clothes fit: big bummer. But it's still better than getting cancer again. Going to start exercising more as I recover from oophorectomy. I'm eating veggies like crazy. Bilateral mastectomy and six weeks of radiation; removal of ovaries and tubes."

• Mar...
• August 14, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I had stage 2 HER2-positive breast cancer. Did 5 rounds of chemo that made me so sick. Heavy bouts of diarrhea almost constantly and lost 20 lbs after 2 months of radiation every day. In 2015 I started letrozole, and at first it was nothing, now I feel so much joint pain in the early morning and then at night. I feel like I got hit by a truck. Stairs are unbelievably hard to master during this time. I’ve gained at least 20 lbs, which is hard to believe because I eat small portions. I have mentioned this to my oncologist team, and they don’t believe weight is a side effect. Wrong! It is most definitely. 2 more years to go, hopefully, there’s some improvement. I will take magnesium as suggested, we’ll see."

• 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."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 20, 2018

For Breast Cancer "I have been on letrozole for 13 months, which I began after a lumpectomy of my left breast, followed by four months of chemo and four weeks of radiation. For many months, my only noticeable side effect was fatigue. I always took it at night, so this was not too much of an issue. Within the last few months, I’ve been experiencing increasingly more painful joint and muscle pain in my shoulders and arms. Sometimes ibuprofen seems to ease the pain, but not always. I’m hoping it doesn’t get worse, for it is not easy to ignore. And yes, I’ve had weight gain also... the 20 lb seems to be the magic number, however, being menopausal, this was occurring with me anyway. I have a very active job with a lot of lifting and walking, but the weight gain won’t budge."

• 201...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 24, 2015

For Breast Cancer "I had stage 2 breast cancer in 2004, took tamoxifen for 5 years, and was then moved to Femara. I have had significant bone and muscle pain; weight gain; severe hot flashes/night sweats; and brain fog, forgetfulness. However, my 5 years of Femara will end in June 2015; I was under the impression that I would be taken off of this medication. However, I have seen many posts that show individuals on this medication for 8, 9, or more years. I am not sure what my oncologist has in mind for me. I was 46 when I found out and have had both breasts removed and completed 5 months of chemo, but I am still concerned to be without any medications for fear of my cancer returning."

• Dan...
• August 16, 2015

For Breast Cancer, Metastatic "I had ER+ HER- stage III, 23 positive lymph nodes. Diagnosed Christmas before last. Age 47. Neoadjuvant ACT, surgery, radiation. Letrozole was the first aromatase inhibitor I tried. I am so sorry to hear of the side effects many have had. I have had a few. Gained a little weight, constipation. But I had serious joint pain and stiffness before I had cancer. The chemo made my joint pain and stiffness go away. Even my hips. When I finished, it crept back. Then I started letrozole and it went away. I know this helps me because I ran out of it on vacation for two days and could barely move the day I got my refill. After three doses, I was back to normal. That is good because I have to take it as long as I live."

• Yoj...
• January 4, 2018

For Breast Cancer "Had chemo every other week for 4 treatments, surgery, another 4 sessions of chemo, then radiation every weekday for 33 sessions. Neulasta shots day after chemo, that was so horrible, excruciating body aches. I've been on letrozole for 8 months. Side effects have been muscle aches, fatigue, some nausea, dry mouth, trigger thumb, hot flashes, weight gain, blurry vision, insomnia, occasional decrease in appetite, neuropathy mostly in my feet (maybe from the chemo?). Is that enough? My doctor wants to give me a 3-4 week break, but I'm scared to stop. I can live with these side effects if it keeps me from a recurrence. I am feeling better, not quite as tired or nauseated. I'm glad I'm not the only one with the symptoms."

• can...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2018

For Breast Cancer, Adjuvant "In 2015, I was diagnosed with stage 2A right breast cancer. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction, as well as a full hysterectomy. This is my second year on Letrozole (scheduled for 5), and my symptoms have just started. Mild headaches, back and neck pain, muscle aches, weight gain, and hair loss. The latest is nausea, which I hate! I have high blood pressure, and it has been going up alarmingly. That's really the main concern that I have since heart disease and strokes run in my family. For the first year, I had no side effects, but now it seems like every one of them is converging at the same time. I'm wondering what I'll experience next, but I've decided to remain on the medication and will try to mitigate the symptoms as best I can. I'm 48 and have had a wonderful life, but I'm living for my family, and especially my new grandchild. So, I'll suffer, but it's worth it to stick around for as long as I can."

• Mic...
• February 7, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Stage 3 breast cancer. Double mastectomy, chemo, radiation. Started letrozole about 5 months ago. Severe joint and muscle pain, especially in shoulders, arms, and hands. 20 lb weight gain. Seriously hate this medication but afraid to go off it because supposedly it reduces my recurrence rate. I'm trying acupuncture for the joint pains."

• Nan...
• May 12, 2017

For Breast Cancer "Feel horrible on this med but will keep taking it. Started 2 years into it. Every bone hurts, have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Every day is a challenge. I exercise, eat right but still gained 20 lbs. I will take the BCI sometime at the end of the year, test to see what future chances of reoccurrence are. I just keep praying to feel like my old self."

• Not...
• September 9, 2016

Letrozole for Breast Cancer "Considering going off of it. Too many severe side effects such as painful hands and feet, tendinitis of wrists, weight gain."