Aromasin question

pattimay

Can someone please explain if and why not the new drug for high risk women Aromasin would be used for premenopausal women.  I have severe ADH and was given Tamoxifen but very afraid of the side effects.  I am 53 and still getting periods.  I heard that this drug does not cause blood clots or higher risk for other cancers. 

InTwoPlaces

Hi Pattimay,

I googled and I found this: 

2 reasons why premenopausal women can't take Aromasin (or other AI's)

1. Aromatase inhibitors work against breast cancer by suppressing the body's ability to produce estrogen. In premenopausal women estrogen production comes mainly from the ovaries and the aromatase inhibitors are not powerful enough to suppress this amount of estrogen produced by the ovaries. In postmenopausal women, estrogen is still produced in the body's fat, skin and muscle and it can be fully suppressed by the inhibitors.
   
   
2. By partially, but inadequately, suppressing estrogen from the ovaries, the aromatase inhibitors cause a reflex stimulation by hormones from the pituitary gland in the brain. This over stimulates the ovaries and can cause ovarian cysts, pain and discomfort. It can also result in an increase in fertility and an unwanted pregnancy.

emanresu

Pattimay I don't have an answer to your question.

I had breast cancer in 1992, chemo, radiation, evista, tamoxifen.

2003 breast cancer in the other breast. chemo, rad, Arimidex which is an aromatase inhibitior. After my time was up on the Arimidex I begged the oncologist to keep me on the drug. She refused, not in her protocol, I suspect I was in a group that was being folowed for recur. Anyway, now the new thing is to give this drug to people like me. I told her I wanted it because I am estrogen receptor positive and that drug was a security blanket for me. Both tumors were estrogen positive. I have no oncologist now, I walked away and left my chart on the floor. ... this is my life I would like to keep...

emanresu

Thanks, In Two Places

for the answer to Pattimay's question. I understand now, so if someone asks I might be able to help.

Anonymous

everything I've read says it's only for use post menopausally at this point.( I think probably cuz they've only tested it  with women who are post menopausal). (same thing for evista). The risk for endometrial cancer and blood clots with tamoxifen is really very low, less than 1%.  But you can be monitored with yearly transvaginal US to watch the uterine lining and the ovaries; and you can take a baby aspirin daily (81 mg) if OK with your physician.  you should talk to your doctor about all the risks and benefits for you with tamox. to help in making your decision. I took tamox for 5 years and now have been taking evista for over 2 years, I tolerate both meds well with minimal SEs

anne