This seems like a good group to ask a letrozole (possibly zolodex) related question.
I’ve been on both since early December - previously did a year on Tamoxifen but had a reoccurrence so was switched following mastectomy.
My periods stopped instantly from first zolodex injection but today I started bleeding out of the blue and has got heavier throughout day. I’ve spoken to breast care team who said unusual on my drug combo so are putting it to oncologist. Told me not to panic but of course that’s exactly what you do!
Anyone had a similar experience?
Hi,
a) Started on Accord (but found it unbearable). Now I have SunPharma (mostly) or Cipla (occasionally) and get on better with either of those although still have quite a few side effects.
b) 2.5 mg
c) Yes - Bone/joint aches, particularly in ankles feet and hips, severe stiffness in hands/fingers when I first wake up. I have to flex my fingers a few times to ‘get the working’ without pain. Hot flushes, dry eyes. Some of these could also be linked to other medication i’m on but its hard to say.
d) About 8 months - since July 2025
e) always nigh time before bed
Accord for 12 months then due to supply issues gmark
2.5
Flushes joint stiffness especially fingers in the morning
with breakfast
For anyone suffering hot flushes with Letrozole NICE have just approved a non hormonal treatment called Fezolinetant/Veoza.
I took it privately for 6 months and it was good with 50% reduction in number and severity. I stopped due to costs as it wasn’t just private prescription charges.
Hey! @naughty_boob
This is interesting, do you mind me asking what brand of Letrozole you were taking alongside this new drug?
I was on Accord. I eventually stopped Letrozole and swapped to Exemestane which has less side effects.
Unfortunately it’s not recommended for breast cancer patients (not been tested). See the very end of this article Menopause: Alternative to HRT for hot flushes now on NHS - BBC News
Was so excited till got to the end!
It’s a personal choice with your medical professional. I took it for 6 months privately and discussed my risk and benefits. The benefits outweighed any risk as it wasn’t hormone replacement.
I would take it again if my current Venlafaxine which I’ve only been on a few weeks doesn’t work well. I struggled to find some of the alternatives due to other medications and interactions.
It’s in the process of being tested with breast cancer patients now and another drug Elinezantant has already been tested and agreed by MHRA but NICE hasn’t agreed it for the NHS yet. Not available privately either due to supply issues.
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Early days but I started taking Letrozole just over 2 weeks ago straight after radiotherapy.
On 2.5mg
Cipla
Taking around 9.30pm and mild to moderate flushes overnight.
Mood is good but I’m putting a lot of effort into eating for strength, keeping active, getting outdoors as much as possible.
Moderate hot flushes mainly in the morning after drinking coffee (think I can cut back from 2 to 1 but enjoy it too much to go without). Sticking to whole foods might be helping.
Feel like a vehicle with no suspension overnight after starting it. I have started with a trainer at the gym though to build strength for protection of everything musculoskeletal. Wearing my running shoes feels a bit softer on the joints if I’m out walking
Found out I’ve been woefully short on protein but have lost a kilo quite easily since tracking macros.
Ferritin levels are very low normal. Wondering if this is because of the radiotherapy or poor protein intake maybe. Decided to take Ferrous Fumerate and hoping if I keep macros in balance flushes will improve.
I have a print out of my bloods which I’m told is otherwise normal although to me the cholesterol levels look high. I don’t understand it so I’m asking AI. Bit worried as I’ve only just started on Letrozole.
Forgot to mention that restless leg syndrome (last had in perimenopause) has come back since finishing radiotherapy / starting Letrozole. Not even the Magnesium Citrate is helping tonight. Hopefully the Ferrous Fumerate will fix it as it can be a symptom of low ferritin.