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Is there a natural estrogen blocker? help!

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Comments

  • SoLinda
    SoLinda Posts: 60

    Hi there! Samorodun, I was unable to tolerate the effects of AIs (anastrozole and letrozole) and only took them for 3 years and 3 months. Yes, when I went off the AI, all the pain disappeared in stages. But it was very quick and I absolutely to not regret my decision to go off them!!! Quality of life returned and since I went off these nasty meds, I was better able to lead a life where I can exercise and, even better - sleep :-) I don't take any supplements, but I do eat a piece of fresh curcumin (grown in my garden and ground up with a garlic clove, olive oil and a little black pepper) every day.


  • My oncologist just prescribed anastrozole and I'm interested in finding natural alternative(s) to anastrozole due to the side effects. Before BC dx I had osteopenia, degenerative arthritis of spine, two ruptured discs, sciatica and still suffer from all now. I'm nearly 65 and am my disabled spouse's sole caregiver. After 10/2/19 lumpectomy I was dx with DCIS via post-op lab report. Rads recommended but, as radiologist told me this week, with DCIS they don't know whether rads knock it out or not "until you develop more BC symptoms" so I opted out of rads.

    Ideas? Suggestions for anastrozole alternatives without debilitating side effects?

    Thanks.

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Posts: 5,591

    Hi,

    I am also stage IV with bone metastasis. I have taken all 3 AI's and am currently on Aromasin. The se'shave been the same for me on all three, but clearly not as debilitating as yours. I manage with Alleve during the day and cannabis at night. Given that I've been NED for 8 years and I can manage the pain while living a fairly normal life, I'll stick with it.

    Some people use a supplement called DIM. I don't think it is an equivalent to AI's but if you are miserable, it might be worth considering. Take care

  • If the natural supplement worked at getting rid of estrogen, wouldn't the side effects be the same? I thought my side effects were from estrogen deprivation.

    I have read (on the actual drug insert) that 20% of the usual dose of Femara is actually effective. My doc sometimes suggests half a dose to see if side effects get better. Or some people alternate days. With stage 4 you don't want to mess around but a half dose seems reasonable.