HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Ways To Manage The Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy

default
Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017
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
doctor
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
doctor
default
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
doctor
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.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Ways To Manage The Side Effects Of Hormone Therapy

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