Suggest Ways To Manage The Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy

Posted on Fri, 12 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 12 May 2017 Answered on

Thu, 1 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1/13. ER + her2+ lumpectomy. chemo, radiation, and aromisin. I am married to the best person whom I married two years ago. I have no libido. I'm afraid of stopping the medicine, but the side effects are ruining my intimacy. Can I take half of the amount? I'm at my whits end. This is no life to feel shut down

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Need to continue hormonal therapy for at least 5 years

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I understand your concerns. But stopping Aromasin is not desirable and taking half is not enough. Regarding your problem of loss of libido, you can talk to your doc regarding a possible hormonal evaluation and any role of testosterone supplement.

Is this loss of libido after Aromasin only or it was present beforehand?

Another option would be to try a different agent like tamoxifen. As its mechanism is slightly different, it may help.

Hope this helps. I will be available for followup.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (12 minutes later)

Yes it's only been since I started chemo and aromisin. Never any problems before illness. At what point is 5 years. The medicine were combined with radiation. After chemo. I did receive some protusimab in a trial study. I just want my life back. I started chemo in Feb 12,2013

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ok I understand

Detailed Answer:
Five years of aromasin, that means if you started aromasin in mid 2013 then continue till mid 2018. If we substitute tamoxifen for aromasin then also till mid 2018.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj