I am nearly 5 year post mastectomy for a recurrence. I take letrozole. Does anyone know if there is any reason I can't take Aswaganda? It helps with all the joint aches and energy but I am worried it might also mess with hormones and cause risk
I am nearly 5 year post mastectomy for a recurrence. I take letrozole. Does anyone know if there is any reason I can't take Aswaganda? It helps with all the joint aches and energy but I am worried it might also mess with hormones and cause risk
Hello and thank you for your post,
I'm afraid that I cannot see that there has been much research into ashwagandha. I certainly cannot see anything in relation to breast cancer and anti-hormonal treatment. I have looked at a reputable US hospital website ( Memorial Sloan Ketterring ) that provides information about alternative supplements to see what they say. And they say that it could affect testosterone levels (particularly in men with prostate cancer), people taking antiepileptic drugs or benzodiazepines should not take it and it could induce abortion.
Do talk with your breast care team and they may have come across it before and formed an opinion on it.
Please get back to us if you need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.
Take care,
Caroline