Looking for Advice on Managing Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

luciajkl

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to hear from those who have experience with hormone therapy for breast cancer treatment. I was recently prescribed [insert specific medication, e.g., Tamoxifen, Letrozole] as part of my treatment plan, and while I understand its importance, I’m struggling with some of the side effects.

So far, I’ve been experiencing [mention specific side effects like joint pain, hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, etc.], and I’m trying to find ways to manage them better. I’ve spoken with my doctor, but I would love to hear firsthand experiences and tips from others who have been through this.

How long did it take for your body to adjust? Did you find any lifestyle changes, supplements, or specific routines that helped alleviate the discomfort? Are there any side effects that got better over time, or ones I should be particularly mindful of?

I’d really appreciate any insights, whether it’s about diet, exercise, mindfulness practices, or anything else that made a difference for you. Also, if you’ve switched medications or adjusted dosage under medical guidance, how did that process go?

Thank you in advance for your support and advice. It’s incredibly helpful to hear from others who truly understand what this journey is like.

Regards

Luciajklsalesforce

dimples90

I finished up hormonal therapy a year ago. Stayed on it for 5 years. Started with Letrozole. Then I tried Anastrozole and Exemestane. Found my way back to Letrozole for the last year.

The thing that helped the most for me was exercise. If I didn’t move, I felt stiff.
It was difficult to stand up after sitting for any length of time. That persisted despite exercise. You can’t exercise all day long! I remember reading a comment from a poster on BCO that she felt like Frankenstein when she stood up to walk after sitting. That’s exactly how I felt. The good news was that I started loosening up and felt much better after walking a very short distance.

Exercise also helped with my mood. That was a side effect for me. I was very moody. Exercise also helped with my bone health. No problems with my bone density.
I did strength training, walking and yoga.
I had 3 positive nodes and strong ER+ cancer so wanted to do everything I could to lower my chances of recurrence.

I’m happy to answer any more questions.

toni398

I am on exemastane for a year (initially on anastrazole for 6-8 months). the worst for me is joint pain (mostly knees but also elbows). I am also very concerned about bone loss. I have baseline ostepenia. My oncologist only recommends vitamin D3 and weight bearing exercises . I am reading about the need for vitamin k2, and magnesium. Any experience or recommendations regarding safe supplements that do not reduce effects of exemastane treatment?

toni398

currently I am taking 1) vitamin code Raw Calcium (1/2 dose); 2) vitamin d3 1000 iu -trying to switch to one that does not contain soy and 3) just started Innovixlabs Full Spectrum Vitamin K2. Hope these are all safe! I also exercise 5-6days a week 1-1 1/2 hours a day. Seems not enough and I have a full time job, mostly sitting all day.

toni398

any advice on supplements, exercise routines, diets, would be greatly appreciated!

moderators

Bump…. Hoping more folks can weigh in here!