I’m really interested in this Ive been told I’ll be having this medication and like you I’ve read lots of horror stories of side effects . I’m already menopausal so already have some of the side effects but don’t know if they’ll be worse. 

Hi Joanna, sorry to hear you are going through this too. My BCN is calling me this morning to go over my worries and if needed will book me in again to see another consultant to discuss it. Like you I already have the hot flushes so not really worried about those. But if I am to feel sick, fatigued, headaches, have joint aches, bad skin rashes (I read one lady had really bag eczema type rash for 2 years), plus plus plus, then how is anyone supposed to carry on with life and work and pay the mortgage?!

It also says in my fact sheet they gave me (printed from this website) that occasional side effects are hair loss (then why did I go through the pain of cold capping?!), blurred vision and damage to the retina/cataracts, and in some cases womb cancer and loss of vision!!! A few ladies on here said they got womb cancer.

From what I've read there are side effects to all hormone suppressants (and indeed any medication) but it just seems to be a whole host of things that you really can't live with for multiple years and carry on with life.

I'll let you know what my BCN says but as my counsellor says, remember its your body and feel empowered to seek a second opinion and don't feel pressured to take what they first prescribe you. It has to be a joint decision between you and your medical team.

I think it is luck if the drawer as to whether you will get any or all symptoms. I’ve been taking letrozole for last 3 months but have been changed to tamoxifen due to real issues with joints. I’ve been told tamoxifen comes with hot flushes. I’ve got a 4 week break to get letrozole out of my system first. Good luck to you all

Hi Mummymartin,

I am sorry to hear about your joint issues with Letrozole and I hope that you get on better with Tamoxifen. I moved from Tamoxifen to Letrozole after I'd been taking the Tamoxifen for 1 year. I continued with the Letrozole for another 6½ years. It certainly caused a lot more problems with my joints and I had to have both of my knees replaced during that time. 

Kee[ping my fingers crossed for you.

Jolamine xx

Hi Alix,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

How did you get on with your BCN? Although all of these side-effects are listed, most people only get a few of these and some get none at all. Nearly all hormone therapies have side-effects, although some particular effects are more associated with one drug than another. I did lose the sight in one eye for over a year. I also had cataracts in both eyes, but who's to say that this wouldn't have happened anyway? You are perfectly entitled to choose not to have it, but look into it closely before you decide. Fortunately after 7 eye operations, I had  my cataracts removed and my sight restored.

I had 2 bouts of breast cancer and 1 pre-cancer, all within a year. After taking these therapies, I am still here 15 years on - and cancer free - for me the suffering was well worth it.

Please keep in touch and let us know what you decide. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx