Hi I’ve been on Letrozole for 3 weeks - taking the tablet at night and noticed that I am having hot flushes, nightmares and dry skin. Is this common and will it subside?
hi @panda_eyes . ive been on it for 2 months. after a month was when the sore knees / thumb joints started. exercise helps and its manageable. have had some warm flushes but not too bad thankfully. But have had some vivid dreams / nightmares - do you think it’s related? be interesting to see what others say.
take care
x
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Thanks for your reply. Do you also take the Letrozole at night? Wondered whether I should change the time that I take it. X
I’m due to start it shortly-can I ask if you were already having hot flushes through the rest of your treatment?
Mine have been horrendous since stoping hrt when I was diagnosed & 7 months later as I get towards the end of surgery/chemo/radio I’m dreading them getting even worse when I start. I’m on pregabalin which has helped a little so I’m up to 6 hours sleep in a row now but still melting down throughout the day with a sweat soaked scalp. I can’t imagine how it can be even worse unless it’s without respite through the day & so filled with worry about trying to function & go back to work if it gets worse again due to letrozole.
Hi like you I had to come off HRT suddenly in December. HRT seemed to control my night sweats pretty well and initially post surgery in January I was managing ok. Since starting Letrozole the pattern of hot flushes has changed and I get them more frequently throughout the day and night. I am starting radiotherapy this week so will mention it to the oncology team. Hoping for you that your symptoms improve, I guess there are many individual factors that can contribute to the hot flushes. X
Well thats funny you say that ! I am usually really good with tablets - but mucked up yesterday. So have changed from today to taking it in morning, wonder if will make any difference.
@whataloadof your hot flushes sound really debilitating. I know the oncologist said that you are chucked into menopause again - and if you have had a bad menopause then symptoms are amplified when start letrozole. I luckily have not been too bad in that respect, just get a bit warm now and then. I am sure there will be others that have experienced what you have though. wishing you all the best…. there’s always something isnt there.. xxxx
Hi panda_eyes,
Thanks for posting.
Hot flushes and dry skin are common side effects of letrozole. Everyone reacts differently to drugs, and some people find that their side effects settle after several weeks, however for some people, they can persist. It can feel particularly difficult as you say when you have had to stop HRT.
Hot flushes are the most commonly reported menopausal symptom due to breast cancer treatment, and many women contact us describing the difficulties they are experiencing with them. The frequency and severity of hot flushes vary from person to person. For most women they will fade over time and become less severe, but for some they can really affect their quality of life.
We know that there are different things that help with hot flushes. Do speak to your breast care nurse or let your oncology team know at your radiotherapy appointment. They will be able to discuss possible options for managing hot flushes. Your GP may also be able to help. You may want to ask about a referral to specialist menopause clinic where you can get further advice and information about coping with menopausal symptoms.
Lower levels of oestrogen due to the menopause can also lead to the skin becoming drier, less plump and less firm. Our menopausal symptoms and breast cancer booklet has information about caring for your skin that you may find useful.
We have speaker live sessions in May on menopause and cancer and understanding hormone treatments that you may be interested in. You can register to attend online in the links.
You also say that you are experiencing nightmares, whilst this is not listed as a side effect of letrozole other people on our forum have mentioned having vivid dreams when they are taking hormone therapy, you could try taking it at a different time to see if it stops the nightmares. You could also let your treatment team know as they may be able to offer further advice.
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