Hi All, I have explained in an earlier post that I was put on Anatrole before my Mastectomy and Reconstruction but I have had some real struggles with it. I persevered with it until last week when I began having suicidal ideation. Having been a crisis support worker helping people with suicidal ideation I knew it was time to stop it. I experienced a little bit during Menopause so knew the signs (along with the training I had).
My question is about these hormone blockers. Has anyone on here actually had their hormones tested before being prescribed these tablets or is it just a blanket thing they do? No-one in my team has discussed checking on my hormones to see where they are at and if I even need this “dirty drug”
A poster on here mentioned that she discontinued the drug because she could not tolerate the side effects either and was taking natural hormone blockers. If anyone has done this can you advise what you took? I am going to do some research on this and look into getting my hormones tested properly to see what is going on.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having a bad experience with Anastrozole. Have you considered asking about alternatives such as anastrozole or Exemestane. I don’t think you can escape the menopause symptoms but they may be more tolerable, and they may not have the same side effects to your mental health,
It’s a very good question about the testing and its crossed my mind before now. But I came up with this………
Anastrozole which is an Aromatase inhibitor (AI). That’s normally for ladies in menopause, or put in a menopause state by other means. I am the latter by having Zoladex implants.
If you were having periods you are creating estrogen so i guess no test needed.
The AI targets androgens which can convert into estrogen. All women naturally produce this even after menopause. I’ve read somewhere there is a blood test, but I don’t know what benefit it would be. If the body finds ways to create estrogen, and you want to stop the effects, there has to be some type of intervention. Which is the purpose of the AI.
On a natural front, Estrogen is sensitive to sugar levels. If you decide to stop the AI permanently for the reasons you mention, you could research and ask your medical team if a particular diet can help. It may not be as effective but you may feel more comfortable knowing you trying an alternative route.
One last thought…..I am on Exemestane, and generally managing OK, until I started taking the brand Morningside. My joints became extreme painful and stiff. I stopped taking the brand and I am back to normal (with mild side effects). I’ve read on this forum, many ladies have problem with certain brands, and it could be something else to consider if you decide to try again on an AI.
I wish you well and hope you find a better solution x
Thanks for your reply Sal. I am definitely going to investigate this further. I am on a very limited diet and have been since diagnosis (no sugar, wheat, dairy, meat). When I look back on my life I have eaten a lot of sugar…..always had a sweet tooth - so I am proud I have managed to eliminate it. I do wonder if because my diet is so limited the effects of the medication has been more intense. It will be something I research more and also will talk to my Naturopath about.
A few years back I went to a local Naturopath because I was just out of menopause and had no sex drive. She said it was my hormones and asked me to go get them tested. I have a very “by the book” Doctor and he put up some barriers about it so in the end i let it go but in hindsight I wish i hadn’t because maybe the Naturopath sensed a problem.
When I went through suicidal ideation in the past I promised myself that whatever or whomever caused it would be changed or eliminated. So in this case the medication has caused it so it is not worth taking it if it makes me feel like not being alive.
I’m guilty of a sweet tooth. During my adulthood, sugar binging has brought me comfort at stressful times, but had a knock on effect with hormones.
Given your awful experience on the tablets, it totally understandable that you are looking and trying other options. Credit to you for your determination and looking out for yourself.
Please follow up with a doctor about testing, if your current doctor is not helpful ask to see someone different. This forum is great for sharing and asking questions, but don’t forget the BCN nurses are on call 0808 800 6000 if you need to talk to a professional, they have some great resources.
Thank you Sal. Yes, I really feel it was the sugar and my diet. I have never smoked and hardly drank alcohol. I found this forum from New Zealand so I don’t think I probably have access to the BCN Nurses but I do have my own here in NZ who has been incredibly helpful. If you have read my earlier posts you will know that I dealt with a series of young registrars who were ineffectual due their inexperience. I had 3 to deal with and with one I asked “well, why do I have to take hormone blockers if I have already gone through menopause?” and he did not know the answer. He sat there like a stunned mullet and I said “don’t worry, I will ask the Breast Nurse when she comes in” I have a very enquiring mind and always do my own research so I will be sure to share anything I find out with this forum.