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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Hot Flushes Along With Painful Joints While On Anastrozole?

I am an 80 years old woman, who has always exercised regularly, and taken care of myself, always looking and feeling many years younger than I was. 2 years ago I had a mastectomy, left breast, stage 2, Her 2 nu hormone positive. I had 18 chemo treatments 3 weeks apart of carboplatin, taxatare and hercepten, then several months of hercepten alone, and began anastrazole in March of 2015 to present. I continue to experience many of the effects of this drug, especially the very troublesome hot flushes several times a day, aching bones, along with the skin problems, loss of hair, etc., etc. I am afraid to stop the drug, because I have been told that it is helping to prevent the spreading of the cancer. Although it is difficult to live with the effects, if it is what is keeping me alive, then I guess I must continue.
posted on Sat, 13 Feb 2016
Twitter Thu, 26 Mar 2020 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 27 Mar 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi

Aromatase inhibitors are hormonal therapy medicines used to treat breast cancer and help stop breast cancer from coming back (recurrence) in postmenopausal women.

There are a few things you can do to help with hot flashes. Several medications have been shown to help with symptoms, including clonidine (a blood pressure medication), low doses of certain antidepressants (such as venlafaxine and fluoxetine), and gabapentin. Talk to your healthcare team about these prescription products to determine if they are right for you.

Non-medical recommendations include:

Keep well-hydrated with eight glasses of water daily.
Drink ice water or apply an ice pack at the onset of a hot flash.
Wear cotton or lightweight, breathable fabrics and dress in layers so you can adjust as needed.
Exercise on a regular basis.
Try practicing meditation or relaxation exercises to manage stress.
Avoid triggers such as warm rooms, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards
Dr.Saranya Ramadoss, General and Family Physician
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What Causes Hot Flushes Along With Painful Joints While On Anastrozole?

Hi Aromatase inhibitors are hormonal therapy medicines used to treat breast cancer and help stop breast cancer from coming back (recurrence) in postmenopausal women. There are a few things you can do to help with hot flashes. Several medications have been shown to help with symptoms, including clonidine (a blood pressure medication), low doses of certain antidepressants (such as venlafaxine and fluoxetine), and gabapentin. Talk to your healthcare team about these prescription products to determine if they are right for you. Non-medical recommendations include: Keep well-hydrated with eight glasses of water daily. Drink ice water or apply an ice pack at the onset of a hot flash. Wear cotton or lightweight, breathable fabrics and dress in layers so you can adjust as needed. Exercise on a regular basis. Try practicing meditation or relaxation exercises to manage stress. Avoid triggers such as warm rooms, spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards Dr.Saranya Ramadoss, General and Family Physician