Hi everyone. I have been on Letrozole for nearly two years now. The bad joint pain is really getting me down. I was switched to Exemestane this time last year but no change to joint pain and extra side effects of increased appetite with significant weight gain and hair thinning. I was put back on Letrozole. I have been reading about taking three month breaks from Letrozole every year of treatment. Has anyone been doing this regime or has had any break from Letrozole. Did it help or any advice please.
I had a three month break from letrozole after exactly one year of suffering awful side effects including painful neuropathy, dreadful tinnitus, trigger fingers, osteoarthritis in my thumbs, pelvic pain and hair thinning with considerable breakage. At the end of a 12 week break I decided to give up letrozole entirely as I had no wish to continue having so much pain. There has been a slight improvement in my hair and in the joint pain after six months but I have had to have steroid injections in my fingers to enable my hand to function. Unfortunately a recent pelvic mri has uncovered a sizeable ovarian cyst (a possible result of hormone disruption) and I have been referred to Gynae for monitoring. It seems this hormone blocker is the gift that keeps on giving!! I would not wish to persuade you to give up this drug but in my case as I am 82 I have come to this decision. I cannot entertain the seven year stint of suffering which was proposed for me.
Best wishes and good luck if you find a break helps in your situation.