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Letrozole ageing skin

44 REPLIES 44
Pmahoney8
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Try using caster oil on skin. Buy a large bottle and rub in at night. It was totally helped get some elasticity back in my skin. Damp skin makes it easier to rub in. 

Susan E.
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi, I really liked your pragmatic approach to letrozole skin...it is a fact of surviving potentialcancer recurrence so has huge value while our aging is compromised.  I also have the skin of an 80 year old at 70.  Surgery, radiation, tamoxifen for 4 years, 1.5 so far with the Letrozole.  I did get a Blissy silk pillow and it is expensive but cooling while I sleep and doesn't velcro my skin into worse wrinkles as I sleep.  I am also layering on multiple times a day Bio Oil which does seem to make a difference.  And that is as good as I have managed so far.  May consider a dermatoligist and micro dermabrasion but really just a nice sweater in a pretty colour may have to do it.  We have to look for the fun in life and know that we have done our best with the damn skin and then let go.

tappin
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Well my oestrogen level is still a bit higher than it should be-more than 37 when 'they' want it to be less than 30. So, back on the Letrozole, and see what happens this time. I will have another followup in 6 weeks, and I have my fist post op mammogram on 1st September. Which other aromatise inhibitor has fewer side effects? 

Regarding skin thinning, yes, I hate to look at my arms and legs! I do take collagen supplements and omega 3, and try and drink lots of water too, but I'm not holding my breath!!

 

freeloadinglittlebitch
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I’m 66 and am halfway through my Femara 5 year treatment. I’ve been wondering why I suddenly seem to have been aging quickly and my arms, oh my arms, the thin delicate skin!! I look like I’m being beat up daily!!  I wonder will things get better when I am finished?  I’ve always enjoyed surprising people when they find out my age. “Oh you can’t possibly be ______!!”  Now they’re like “oh”. I know I’m being vain but, we’ll, there ya go. 

tappin
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Thank you for the suggestion! That might be a way forward! I have been off them for nearly 2 weeks and the side effects have almost gone!-getting the odd hot flush though which coinciding with the hot weather wasn't good! Will talk tot he GP and Onco to see what they say-am having an oestrogen levels blood test next week to see where I am. 

BeckyRose
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

My numbers were right on the line, like yours, and it's a tough call. I'm 10 years younger, so I decided to stay with letrozole for 5 yrs, joint pain and all. I can decide to go 5 more and I am considering it. (I have a number of friends who have had a recurrence after 5 yrs tamoxifen, so no.) There is such a thing as "intermittent" dosing with letrozole--a couple of months on, then a month off. From what I've read, it's just as effective...asking my onc about it. May be a good middle ground. 

tappin
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I am 77 and have taken the Letrozole for 7 months. The last month or so my knees and hips were aching and stiff so much so I could only walk up stairs one step at a time! My sister says I am crotchety, and short tempered, my hair is thinned my skin crinkly-never was before! I started taking 1/2 tablet a day, but when I saw the breast dr he said no, can't do that, stop it for a month to see how I went so I am having a blood test to see where my oestrogen levels are-I am a bit overweight so I'm still making oestrogen (fat cells make it!) and try the Tamoxifen after a month, but I am now of the opinion I will stop it completely and risk it. My cancer was DCiS er8 pr7 no lymph nodes involved. It is a fine line to decide. At the outset I was told I would probably die with it rather than from it (!!). Since stopping it-10 days ago-the stiff knees and hips have gone! 

bethdarling
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Thank you. You just provided me with some perspective. I know I sound whiny.

chesneesc
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

There are ways to naturally inrease collagen production. https://collagencomplete.com/increase-collagen-production/

BeckyRose
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I'm nearing the end of my 5 yr course of Letrozole and at 66 I have the skin of an 80 yr old 😞 Despite that, I will no doubt take it for 5 more yrs. Recently I have found a couple of products that seem to help my skin--lotion and hand cream called Adamia helps with thin, crepey skin and has real staying power. You can even blend them with your favorite lotion. Virtually odorless and absorbs fast. I am finally getting some results with some of the new face creams with collagen, and the night creams are best. For bruises I have been using Arnicare gel and it helps a lot. I found all these at Meijers and Walgreens. Joint pain? My knees were so painful I had cortisone shots and am now in physical therapy to strengthen muscles to help my knees. I will fight the side effects every way I can to minimize the chance of a recurrence. Just stay with it, keep moving, try not to be discouraged. 

bethdarling
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I am 65. Finished surgery and radiation last year and have taken Letrozole for 1 year. I feel like an irritable old woman. My skin, my hair, my joints and my mood have deteriorated significantly. I’ve discovered MDs don’t want to hear about the downsides. I guess because either you take it to try to prevent recurrence or you don’t and chances of recurrence are greater. Since they can’t mitigate the side effects the conversation is about who you can see to help. You’d still look and feel old but maybe with the right psychiatric meds you won’t care as much. Geeze. Clearly I am still mad.Clearly I need those meds.

Gregson
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

If you start taking care of your facial skin as early as possible, you will look great in your old age. Your facial skin always needs nourishment, hydration, and comprehensive care. Sunscreen is one of the main products that must be applied daily to the skin of the face. I haven't tried Letrozole, but I think it's a good product for aging skin. In addition to various creams and serums, I use paraben free soap instead of gels and cleansing foams. I have very sensitive skin, so I try to use as few allergens as possible. The composition of all the products I use is made of natural ingredients.

tappin
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I too at 76 am taken for 60! I have always looked after my skin, and regularly have microdermabrasion, to rid the skin of dead cells etc, followed by retinol, serum etc. And ALWAYS wear a 50+ sunscreen every day! I hope it doesn't deteriorate with the Letrozole too much!

 

Sharifah
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hello ladies me too I only in the 30s it's already been a year I took lestrozole I can see I looks like in the 60s..did you guys taking any cream like collagen cream?

AttermaLim
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

My mother had breast cancer, so my doctor advised me to get on Letrozole once menopause started. Ever since I began taking it regularly, my skin has looked worse than it ever did, and my hair started thinning. It was a horrible look for a woman who had just entered her sixties. My doctor said that this was the only way to avoid breast cancer at my age, so I needed to balance it out. I took as many collagen supplements as I could, and my skin went back to normal after a time.

BeckyRose
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

As I understand it, letrozole helps block your production of estrogen. No estrogen, no collagen support. So all my skin is thinner, aged, shows bruising easily. I'm 65 with 80 year old skin! My hair is thinning. Arthritis was bad before and has gotten worse. I've been on Letrozole for nearly 4 years, at least 1 more to go. So I use the best skin creams I can find. I use lotions with shea butter, or lotion-oil combinations. I had my hair layer-cut for better 'coverage,' and I  get cortisone shots in my knees and I do water therapy followed by sauna 3x a week. I use a rechargeable hand warmer to help with trigger fingers. And frankly, all of these side effects are easier to take than if my doctor told me I have a recurrence! It stinks but if this is the newest and best then I'm going to roll with it. Try to stay positive and good luck to you.

Espadon
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi, I am 40, and I have also used Letrozole. I also noticed that it changed my skin, and after using it, my face had aged... I was very disappointed. I immediately stopped using it. I also had menopause, and it also ages your face but not a lot. Menopause is something expected at the age of 40-50, but aging so fast isn't. That's why I immediately started to take care of my skin and face. I went to different massages, spa salons, facial cleansing, and rejuvenation procedures. I always moisturize it with creams, and the more crazy thing is that I put on a tooth game. I wanted to be in line with my daughter, and I found on ambrosae.com more information about these gems, and I said it was a good idea. Now my smile is terrific.

CeCe75
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Ummmm. Yes, yes and yes! I’m 45 and on 4 1/2 years of leave. I have noticed the same thing. My onc wants me to take for ten years. I have started taking mine every other day now instead of daily. Just to see if I can start feeling more like me. I’m even having arthritis in my fingers that I have never felt before. If this is side effects of leaving then I’m going to stop taking it.

dawn2412
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi Patsypop, I researched all the ingredients of the brands in regards how similar they are to femara, and i found the Accord brand to be the nearest, which is what i got the doctor to specify on the prescription.

dawn2412
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I have been on letrozole for  year without any noticeable side effects, but in the last month, the pain in my feet and hands and muscles is starting to build. My facial skin has also really started to lose its elasticity, and feels dehydrated, whatever i do. At 61, I have started to feel old, and tired all the time, and i've got 4 yrs or more of this??? Its depressing.

CeCe75
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

And I am 45

CeCe75
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I’m glad to hear others going through this. I have been taking it for 4 1/2 years now and noticed that my facial skin is aging rapidly and I’m not able to do things as I used to. My oncologist wants me to take Letrazole for 10 years. I’m not sure if I should. Just because of the rapidly aging and fitness abilities. I used to cardio box. Now I can’t. What do you all think?

Tili
Community Champion

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

have just stopped taken Lexrozole after 3years because it made me so unwell, however more to your point when chatting to my consultant he remarked on my beautiful skin and said Letrozole can be very ageing for the skiin keep slapping on the cream. BIH HUGS TO ALL THE BRAVE LADIES

 

 

JeanneAnn
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I am going through it, plus thinning hair on top of my head - and I am alarmed!
niknak50
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi Suziex, I have definitely noticed my skin ageing rapidly over the past 6 months or so, though I've been on Letrozole for 4 years. I'm 68 so I know I have to expect ageingskin, but I've always had good skin and have always maintained a good skin care regime. Have tried so many creams, drinking more water etc. but nothing is helping. I believe the s/e's of Letrozole are cumulative and I know I'm not feeling as good as I did 2 or 3 years ago, mentally or physically, despite getting a bit more exercise and always eating pretty healthily. My tests are fine, I just feel less like 'me' ...and these wrinkles aren't helping :/. My onc helpfully asked what made me think my problems are caused by Letrozole, and if I'd seen a psychiatrist because of my anxiety! I'm sure many of you can relate to feeling as if you're being dismissed. Anyone else going through this?
Brendima
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I have only been on Letrozole for 3 months and I've noticed my skin is dryer with new wrinkles. I'm 58.
Helzie
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I"m responding in relatiion in to the Aspirin  as noticed a reference to my being considered for the trial ( post chemo ) in one of the letter!s sent to my GP. So very interested to read this. Thanks everyone.

 

I've only had time to skim through the links but I certainly wouldn't have described nyself as being toverweight! In fact, most of the weight gain which would still only render me marginally overweight was when I was on Letrozole, interestingly enough and because it was during the winter months!  At 5' 6" and  a size 12-`14, the latter because I'm a 34F so require that size in tops, dresses etc For nearly all my life I have been very slim! Now, of course I find I'm so tired with the chemo, I'm unable to walk etc as briskly as I did before, at least in the first few weeks after each session!

 

 

Suziex
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Just wondered why you could not go on the trial is there a certain criteria you have to meet x

Ele J
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi Suzie

Yes my oncologist discussed it with me and gave me some info. It's called Add-Aspirin and you can find info about it on this site

http://www.addaspirintrial.org

I was not eligible to join the trial in the end but my Onco was happy for me to take low-dose aspirin daily anyway (in addition to Tamoxifen). It looks pretty clear that it does have a preventive/slowing effect on some cancers, including BC, but the trial will prove that for sure and also confirm the lowest effective dose to get the benefit.

Obviously there are some risks with aspirin too so best to talk to your doc if you're thinking of taking it.

Apparently they've known about this positive side effect of aspirin for some time but had difficulty getting funding for the trial because there's no money in it for Big Pharma (no new drug to licence!). Thank goodness for the NHS and Cancer Research!
Sue H-S
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Suziex
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I take the Sandon brand and find this the best one for me. On a totally different subject has any heard of the asprin trial to help stop reacurrrance of early breast cancer?

Sue H-S
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi Ladies, Have been on 2.5 mg since February. No side effects to speak of! As far as I can make out they are from TEVA UK and are supplied direct via the pharmacy at my surgery. Hot flushes, yes, but not too bad and would have expected that, as I also came of HRT. No joint pains, some skin is ageing, but again, expected as it is an oestrogen killer, which is required for building collagen to keep skin plumb.
patsypop
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hello everyone, I have been following the posts but nothing new to add. I have been taking Letrozole since 13 January.  Initially hospital dispensed Femera, subsequent script was from GP and Cipla dispensed.  Had no idea there were different brands until I read it on this Forum.  SEs on Femera were slight but on Cipla they got worse and worse so decided to do a bit of research as follows.  Cross referenced all ingredients of six brands against Femera and only Cipla and Sunpharma had a different ingredient (not the same one).  Cipla has tartrazine and Sunpharma has Methylcellulose.  I then looked at all the ingredients in all the brands and only these two flagged up side effects, lists as long as your arm.  The three I identified as closest to Femera are Sandoz, Zentiva and Actavis (this last one as a different coating ingredient but no side effects flagged).  Last script was taken to a High Street pharamcy who ordered Actavis.  Since taking this, eight days in, and side effects have gone back to Femera days.  Hope this helps and that my research is accurate.

Happy days around the corner !!!!

ollisj6
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi ladies I have been taking letrozole for just over a year now the joint pain is not decreasing especially in upper arms I am seriously wondering now if it may be the cipla brand I'm taking I don't want to stop taking it but some days I feel about 90 and it gets you down after a while any thoughts would be greatly appreciated thanks Judi 

koshlake57
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

My skin also seems "thinner" and more wrinkles forming, but I had to stop my HRT and start Letrozole at the same time 6 months ago so maybe this is just one of the symptoms.  I am 59.   I am slapping on lots of Ulay as well.

Suziex
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Thanks for your reply I have just bought some of the new Body Shop oils soil will give it ago xxxx

catokitty
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I have tried loads of creams and serums and now I tend to stick to Olay total effects 7in one moisturiser and mature therapy. I find Boots own brand serum for older skins good too and not too expensive.  I also use Body Shop Oils of Life lotion and sometimes buy the cream too although it is more expensive than Olay or Boots own.  There was a programme  a few years back with a dermatologist from St Mary's Paddington Hospital and she tested top of the range creams and the cheapest and concluded that the only benefit you get from really expensive creams (Dior etc) is that they have a nicer smell and texture.   As you say, just being here and enjoying life is the main thing.  Who cares about a few wrinkles! 

Suziex
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Thank you for all your comments it does make me feel a little better that I'm not on my own I suppose we will have to keep slapping on the creams and be happy that we are all still here and be very great full for our lives. It would be good if anyone can recommend which creams they think work xxxx

Sue H-S
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi, thankfully not been given that advice -yet? Burt perhaps depends on the final diagnosis. At the mo looks like a Stage 1 Grade 2 lobular invasive. Fingers crossed!
Sue H-S
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I thought the same, but hear it is better re side effects than Tamoxifen. Mind you I am past menopause, but thought go br 45 rather than the 57 I am. At a guess I will now catch up a bit with my real age, lol.
Flint
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Yes, I feel it has aged me. I thought letrozole is given only to post menapausal women

 

 

 

poppyj
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hello Sue

 

Yes, I agree that the whole idea of Letrozole is to reduce the oestrogen, and have been advised not to use any creams/deodorants/lotions with perfume or other additives as they all have a drying effect. I have found the best (and cheapest) moisturiser to be E45, either lotion or cream, which was recommended by my breastcare nurse. It also helped to soften the scarring after surgery. Premature ageing isn't a very nice prospect but I consider it a small price to pay for still being here (so far) 2 years post-surgery, and today the sun is shining at last!

Sue H-S
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

Hi Suziex, you are right, due to the menopause your skin is ageing more rapidly, as your body produces less oestrogen. The effect on skin of less oetrogen will be enhanced by Letrozole, as it is there to reduce the levels of this hormone you produce naturally even further. When I got to the menopause in my mid 40's HRT kept the ageing at bay to a certain degree, but now 12 years later, I had to come off HRT and have been put onto Letrozole, too - since being diagnosed. I researched on the internet, as much as I could, to find out what I could do to support my skin. Some say this, some say that. And of course, different womens skin will react to some ingredients better than others. One of the keys to ageing skin in the reducing collagen, as that 'plumps' it up. There appears to be some evidence that oestrogen is part of being able to produce collagen. So one could try collagen creams, but I doubt that something I put onto my skin can penetrate deep enough to replenish something, which is missing deeper down. I have taken to Palmers skin oils and body lotion - not too expensive and enough of the other ingredients required to help support the skin. So far so good - they are wonderful and are doing the trick slowing things down. At some stage I paid for expensive treatments, but did not notice any longer term results. Hope this helps. Clever make up and tips for ageing skin can be found on the internet, worth researching.
catokitty
Member

Re: Letrozole ageing skin

I've been on it for a year and haven't noticed any changes in my skin.  At 61 I am well past the menopause which definitely did age my skin however I slap on loads of moisturiser, serum and skin oil to keep the wrinkles at bay xx

Suziex
Member

Letrozole ageing skin

Does anyone feel that taking letrozole has had an effect on their skin? Do you think it may have contributed to ageing skin or do you think it might have happened anyway with going through the menopause. I would be interested to any thoughts you might have on this.
Xx