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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rochester, NY

AI response

“Yes, anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer, can cause arthritis
Mechanism:
Anastrozole works by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which converts androgens into estrogen. This reduction in estrogen levels can lead to joint pain and inflammation, known as arthralgia.
Incidence:
The incidence of arthralgia with anastrozole varies depending on the study, but it is estimated to occur in 30-70% of patients. The pain is typically mild to moderate in severity and… read more

September 22, 2025
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Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

Sue, I have arthritis to start with and anastrozole is making it hurt more. Walking and stretching does help. I also find that voltaren topical cream helps allot. My orthopedic doctor recommended it to use on my bad days.

September 22, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Sue, i take anastrozole, and have some joint pain with it. I find that when I get up in the morning if I can do some stretching and try to take some walks during the day, it does help ease it up.. plus a good hot shower or bath with Epsom salt always does the trick. Wishing you all the best. 💕

September 22, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member

I have not heard of any studies on that of the AI caused arthritis stopping.

The arthritis is part of the AIMSS syndrome that some have.

As one is taking any of the AI’s for at least 5 years and so many do start these over age 65, there is a greater chance of arthritis at the end besides the arthritis caused by the AI.

Plus, if one already has arthritis, it does make it worse. So many on here have said that.

September 22, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

Megan, I am 72 years old and I am on anastrozole. I take 2 calcium citrate tablets. One in the morning and one in the evening. I also take one vitamin D3 tablet a day. Even though the calcium I take has d3. I don’t get outside as much now so I feel like I need extra. I also walk on my treadmill for 2 miles. You are young so you may want to do other things. Love ya I wish you the best.

September 25, 2025
A MyBCTeam Member

I asked my oncologist about this a few weeks back, because I have developed shoulder pain since I started taking Anastrozole. She called it "arthralgia" and we laughed about it becoming a "portmanteau" term. I DIDN'T have arthritis beforehand - and since anastrozole and other breast cancer treatments DO cause neuropathy, I'd be hard-pressed to know the difference. My doctor indicated that neuropathy & arthritis symptoms are similar - and said that anastrozole CAN intensify other joint issues, but hesitated to state definitively that it "causes" arthritis. I'm sure this is different for each individual.

September 22, 2025

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