Should I Take Aromatase Inhibitors for Breast Cancer?
Should I Take Aromatase Inhibitors for Breast Cancer?
When the hormones can’t access the cancer cells, the cancer’s growth may slow and the cells may die. Hormone therapy is only used for breast cancers that are found to have receptors for the naturally occurring hormones estrogen or progesterone. Your health care provider may prescribe drugs called bisphosphonates or the drug denosumab to help maintain bone density [8].
- Medicare and many insurance companies offer prescription drug plans.
- Using hormone therapy before surgery also gives your health care team information about how well your cancer responds to this treatment.
- You might have this on its own or with other hormone therapy drugs such as tamoxifen or exemestane.
- But, if you’re close to the age at which your menopause would naturally start, your periods might not return.
It can also be used in premenopausal women having ovarian suppression. For some women who have been treated with tamoxifen, changing to an aromatase inhibitor may be recommended at some time depending on her risk of recurrence. Findings from randomized controlled trials have shown the aromatase inhibitors exemestane and anastrozole may lower the risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women at high risk [ ]. Possible side effects of aromatase inhibitors include muscle pain, joint pain and menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes). They are called oestrogen receptor positive or ER positive (ER+) breast cancer. Around 80 out of every 100 breast cancers (around 80%) are oestrogen receptor positive.
Easing joint or muscle pain
However, if you have any of these symptoms, report them to your health care provider right away. A breast cancer diagnosis after menopause can be overwhelming. Just as you’re beginning a new chapter in your life, you’re told you have cancer. There are two major contraindications to aromatase inhibitors. If you have been offered an aromatase inhibitor, your specialist will explain why they have recommended that particular drug. These losses can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the collapse of spinal vertebras, stooped posture, a loss of height, and an increased risk of bone fractures.
Menopausal symptoms
This treatment won’t get rid of the cancer but can stop it growing or shrink it. Hormone therapy for breast cancer is often used after surgery to reduce the risk that the cancer might return. Hormone therapy also may be used to shrink a cancer before surgery. If the cancer shrinks, it may be possible to remove less breast tissue during surgery. Using hormone therapy before surgery also gives your health care team information about how well your cancer responds to this treatment.
Read on as we take a closer look at https://museoartepereira.co/2024/03/13/study-shows-positive-effects-of-testosterone/ and who can use them. Treatments to stop ovarian function may allow those who haven’t been through menopause to take medicines only available to those who’ve been through menopause. Examples of ovarian suppression drugs are goserelin (Zoladex) and leuprolide (Lupron). Ovarian ablation can be done surgically in an operation to remove the ovaries (called oophorectomy) or by treatment with radiation. Your health care provider can treat many of these side effects. Learn more about bisphosphonates and breast cancer treatment.
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