Does aromatase inhibitor therapy treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer?

It may be used after surgery, for cancer that has returned or spread, or in another sequence chosen by the oncology team. Menopausal status and other medicines influence whether this approach is suitable.

Aromatase is an enzyme the body uses to make oestrogen outside the ovaries. Blocking it reduces the oestrogen available to hormone receptor-positive cancer cells, which can slow their growth or reduce the chance of them becoming active again.

The medicine is generally most effective when ovarian oestrogen production has stopped naturally or is suppressed with another treatment. It is a systemic therapy, so it acts throughout the body rather than only in the breast.

Take the tablet on the agreed schedule and discuss missed doses with the treatment team or pharmacist. Do not stop because of joint stiffness, hot flushes, vaginal symptoms, or fatigue without first asking about ways to reduce them or whether a different medicine is appropriate.

Because lower oestrogen can weaken bones, the team may assess bone health and advise suitable resistance or weight-bearing activity, nutrition, and medication when indicated. Share your complete medicine and supplement list to check for interactions.

Get urgent medical help for sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, facial swelling, or symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Sudden weakness, facial droop, or trouble speaking also requires emergency care.

Tell the oncology team about new severe bone pain, a fall with possible injury, persistent low mood, unusual vaginal bleeding, troublesome joint symptoms, or side effects that stop you from taking the tablets as prescribed.

Ask how menopausal status affects the plan, what the treatment is intended to achieve, how response will be followed, whether bone monitoring is needed, and whom to contact if side effects make daily dosing difficult.