Aromatase Inhibitor Drugs

Aromatase inhibitor drugs lower the amount of oestrogen made in the body, which can help treat some hormone-sensitive breast cancers.

Aromatase is an enzyme involved in making oestrogen outside the ovaries. By blocking this enzyme, these medicines reduce an oestrogen signal that can support the growth of cancers whose cells use that hormone. They are a type of hormone therapy, not a replacement for every form of cancer treatment.

These medicines are tablets taken at home according to the prescription. Consistent use matters because missed doses can make the treatment plan harder to follow. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions supplied with your medicine or contact the prescribing team rather than taking extra tablets to make up for it.

Aromatase inhibitors may be used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Whether one is suitable depends on menopausal status, the cancer's hormone-receptor results, the treatment goal, and other health factors. In some situations, the plan includes treatment that changes ovarian hormone production; in others, a different hormone medicine is more appropriate.

Your oncology team may discuss other hormone medicines, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted treatment, or a combination of approaches. The recommended sequence can differ depending on whether treatment is being given before or after surgery, for cancer that has returned, or to control cancer elsewhere in the body.

Joint or muscle aches, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, tiredness, and changes in mood can occur during hormone treatment. Let your team know what is affecting sleep, movement, intimacy, or work; there may be ways to manage symptoms or adjust the plan. Keep every clinician involved in your care aware that you are taking an aromatase inhibitor.

Lower oestrogen can affect bone health, so the care team may discuss bone-strength monitoring and ways to support bone health. Report new or worsening symptoms rather than stopping the tablets on your own. Bring a list of all prescribed medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements to appointments so possible interactions can be checked.