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I am from the U.K. and I think most of you are in the States ? So I am contacting I you from across the sea . Thanks so much for this group and your advice . I was diagnosed with ILBC at a routine mammogram in September . I was lucky that an eagle eyed radiographer noticed a change of tissues as ILBC appears as a line not a lump. It was confirmed at ultrasound that there were 2 small lesions in my left breast , not palpable and I had not been aware of any symptoms ! I was reeling with shock… read more
I was diagnosed at age 60 and started the Aromatase Inhibitor Anastrozole after surgery and radiation were complete. I did not have to do any chemotherapy. My initial dexa scan showed that I had osteopenia, but just barely inside the parameters. Like you, I did not want to take the bone drugs due to more possible side affects. My oncologist said he would support that decision as long as I take 1200 mg calcium daily and 50 mcg vitamin D3 daily. He said I also needed to do weight bearing excercise like walking daily. He suggested wearing ankle weights when I walk. I walk 30 min a day.
At the end of 2 years when I went back for my next dexa scan, I showed no additional bone loss. My oncologist said I could continue on for 2 more years with out the bone meds. He said if significant bone loss showed on the next dexa scan, that he would be more insistent about taking the bone meds, but as long as I was maintaining or almost maintaining my bone density, then I could just keep on with what I am doing. My next dexa scan is Dec 2026. I am hoping that I have not lost any significant bone density at that time. My mother was diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 75, so I may have some genetic predisposition, but I am hoping not.
Best of luck to you.
Thanks so much for your reply @A MyBCTeam Member - much appreciated- and best of luck to you too
Hi Penbo, I take letrozole .I've been placed on Calcium and D3 supplements. I walk everyday to strengthen my bones and do resistance exercises( currently paused due to reconstruction surgery). I also drink oat straw tea (Avena Sativa)(suggested by my herbalist friend who is also on Aromatase inhibitors )because of its high silica content; good for bone health. I checked with my oncologist first.
How does anastrozole affect bone health, and what can be done about bone loss while taking it?
You're absolutely right that anastrozole can affect bone health. Because it works by lowering estrogen levels in your body, one of the side effects is osteoporosis, which weakens your bones. This is a known risk with aromatase Show Full Answer
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