Will letrozole side effects get better?

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hello, I’m 39, I got diagnosed with breast cancer in February and had a mastectomy in march. It hadn’t spread, but had chemo due to an oncotype score of 22 so I was on the cusp of whether it would be beneficial. Chemo is finished, and I’m now just on zoladex and letrozole. I started zoladex soon after surgery, but have only recently started letrozole. About a week ago. I’m really suffering with awful frequent hot flushes, period style cramps, and horrible brain fog and mood swings. Is this normal? With the zoladex it was just manageable hot flushes, but since starting letrozole everything has really ramped up! If this is normal, will the effects level out and get better?

Advice greatly appreciated!
Jenny.

2

Hi I have been taking letrozole for nearly 3 years. I’m not sure if the side effects get easier or you just get used to them. I have been given 2 different brands over the 3 years but recently I was given cipla the hot flushes were unbearable. I gave them a go for a month but then went and asked the pharmacist if I could have a different brand next time. I was given yet another brand, but after a few weeks then hot flushes eased and are now back to what they were before, which I can cope with. If you’re really struggling it might be worth seeing if you can try another brand. I hope things get better for you.

3

Hi Jenny,

Thanks for posting. It sounds a difficult time.

Hot flushes, mood swings and brain fog are common symptoms of the menopause and common side effects of hormone therapy like letrozole and goserelin (Zoladex), so you are not alone in feeling this way. Side effects can often be more severe to begin with and improve over time. However, for some women they can persist.

Some women like @Shell_s find their side effects can vary with the different brands of hormone therapy. It can help to make a note of what brand you get from a pharmacy, and the side effects you have.

Do speak to your treatment team about these and the period style cramps you are having. They may suggest continuing to see if things settle down but can explore what else might help manage these.

We have information for younger women with breast cancer as well as online and face to face support events that may be of interest.

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Best wishes

Jane

Breast Care Nurse

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