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Anastrazole

Hi! I have a question about how anastrazole works. I am taking lupron for ovarian suppression and anastrazole because I'm premenopausal. When my estradiol was checked before starting anastrazole, it was 11. When it was checked yesterday, after being on anastrazole for 3 months, it was 19. I'm confused as to why it would be higher after taking the anastrazole if it's meant to lower estrogen levels even more. When I asked my doctor today he said the test is to make sure I'm still menopausal in order to be able to take the anastrazole, and it's not meant to determine the effectiveness of the anastrozole. He doesn't explain much more than that. Does anyone know why my estrogen levels would be rising? Thanks so much

Comments

  • vlnrph
    vlnrph Member Posts: 524

    There is a range through which estradiol levels can fluctuate. The Mount Sinai New York website describes premenopausal as 30 to 400 pg/mL and postmenopausal 0 - 30. Your measurements of 11 and 19 mean the Lupron is working to suppress ovarian function.

    Although aromatase inhibitors (abbreviation = AI) like anastrazole lower estrogen in general, some is still being produced by the action of enzymes in adipose tissue.

    This comports with my theory about why it’s so hard to lose weight after a certain age. Our favorite hormone gets made in fat & older bodies hang onto hip/thigh/jelly belly rolls in order to have space to create it. Best wishes to you for successful treatment.

  • jenna1220x
    jenna1220x Member Posts: 26

    @vlnrph thank you so much for your response and explanation. I truly appreciate it and thank you so much for the well wishes.

  • jenna1220x
    jenna1220x Member Posts: 26

    I'm keep reading that estradiol should be less than 5 while on aromotase inhibitors. Is that accurate?