I’d appreciate hearing from anyone taking AIs and a GLP-1 drug for weight loss
I was diagnosed in 11/2022, had bilateral lumpectomy 1/2023 and finished radiation 3/2023. I’ve been taking an aromatase inhibitor for over two years. At first I was on anastrozole and I recently switched to exemestane to see if a switch would help some of my side effects (joint pain, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia).
I was overweight before my diagnosis, and I’ve been pre diabetic for years. But being on an aromatase inhibitor has exacerbated so many of my symptoms that I think perhaps a more serious attempt to lose weight might help me. I’ve been trying very hard for 3 months to lose weight on my own, and my net weight loss is a measly 2 pounds. I know, I know, try not to be too impressed.
At my last physical I asked my PCP about GLP-1 drugs. She said “I think you’ve got too much going on right now for me to prescribe a GLP drug”— translation: I don’t know much about AI treatment, and I don’t want to prescribe GLP right now.” I said I’d talk with my med onc and get back to her.
My med onc Pooh-poohs just about everything my PCP tells me. She said she has other patients on AIs who take GLP weight loss drugs and are having success. She had no concern about me starting on one.
My PCP is overly cautious. My med onc borders on dismissive. For these reasons, I feel the need to fact find on my own, and try to help myself. My next appt with my PCP is on May 13, and I plan to be armed with research and I hope, anecdotal evidence from women who might be in my same situation.
Thank you in advance.
Comments
-
I am on both. I started anastrozole in January, 2023. I have been on Wegovy since October, 2023. I have lost about 60lbs and have been on maintenance with the GLP-1 since November or so. I also happen to have severe arthritis in my knees. Anyway, I feel so much better since losing the weight. I have had some side effects from the GLP-1 like nausea here and there. I don't have as many aches and pains from the anastrozole. Everyone is different, but I have had a great experience. I will say that my hair has thinned out a lot. I am not sure what the cause is for that. My labs look great. I am healthier now that I have lost the weight.
1 -
Thank you for your answer. You lost 60 pounds in a little more than a year? Holy cow, that’s amazing. I thought weight loss would be much slower than that (I realize it’s different for everyone). I’m happy to hear that you feel better (this is what I am hoping for), and that side effects didn’t derail your progress. Congratulations!
0 -
I take Letrozole and Zepbound. I have lost 40 lbs in 5 months. I am still on the 7.5 mg for Zepbound and each time I go up in strength the nausea and diarrhea can come back pretty hard core but it only lasts the first week for me. My Onco was supportive and my PCP has been as well. I definitely have less joint pain with the weight loss. I would highly recommend it.
1 -
Thank you so much. This is so encouraging. I’m nervous about having nausea, BUT if it’s temporary and can help me lose this stubborn weight I think I can handle it.
0
