What to expect from aromatase inhibitor therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Aromatase inhibitors reduce the body’s production of oestrogen after menopause or when ovarian activity has been medically suppressed. Lower oestrogen stimulation can help control hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Your clinician will explain whether the medicine follows surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or another treatment.

Commonly discussed effects include joint stiffness or aching, muscle discomfort, hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep changes, and tiredness. Long-term oestrogen reduction can affect bone density, so your team may arrange a bone assessment and review calcium, vitamin D, exercise, and bone-strengthening options.

Take the tablet as prescribed and use a reminder linked to a regular routine. Keep a symptom diary that records stiffness, sleep, flushes, mood, and activity. Walking, stretching, and strength exercises may support mobility and bones when appropriate for you. Discuss pain relief before starting a new medicine or supplement.

Tell your breast team about fractures, osteoporosis, liver problems, cholesterol concerns, or other medicines. If symptoms make work, sleep, or movement difficult, report them early; a clinician may review the schedule, investigate another cause, or offer supportive care.

Contact your team for severe or persistent joint pain, a new fracture, marked weakness, troubling depression, unusual bleeding, or symptoms that stop you taking tablets. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, facial swelling, or a sudden one-sided neurological change. Report a new breast or chest-wall change through your planned breast cancer follow-up.

Ask why this aromatase inhibitor was chosen, when to take it, how long it is planned, and what to do after a missed dose. Ask about bone density checks, exercise, vaginal or sexual symptoms, joint pain, and alternatives if side effects become difficult.