Letrozole and Hot Flushes

I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in January. Due to being ER+, PR+ and HER2 positive, I had to stop HRT straight away, which meant a return of hot flushes and I was prescribed Venlafaxine to help with this. I started taking 37.5mg and was told I could increase to 75mg after a couple of weeks. I chose to stick on the lower dose, as I knew I would be going on hormone blockers further down the line. I've now been on letrazole for a month and the hot flushes have started again. I have got the option to increase my venlafaxine, but have been waiting to see if the flushes lessen as time goes on. I would be interested to hear from anyone on letrazole that has had hot flushes. Did they get less as time went on? 

  • Hello Pippin24, 

    Hot flushes are listed on our page on letrozole as a common side effect and we also have some tips you might find helpful on coping with hot flushes. Do talk to your doctor if you find that these hot flushes are hard to cope with as they may be able to give you some good advice to help you deal with these. 

    I've had a little look around the forum for past threads which might be relevant for you from members of our community who have experienced hot flushes while taking letrozole and I found a couple which might be of interest to you and which you are welcome to respond to if you wish.   posted a few months ago this thread on taking letrozole where they mentioned experiencing hot flushes amongst other symptoms.  also created this thread about side effects of letrozole where they mentioned also experiencing significant hot flushes so you are definitely not alone and I hope that others who have been affected in a similar way will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    If you have any questions, feel free also to get in touch with our cancer nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they will be happy to listen and help in any way they can. 

    I hope that these hot flushes will diminish with time. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Lucie, will take a look at these threads.  Xx