In postmenopausal women, there is still some production of the hormone estrogen even though the ovaries have largely shut down. Drugs called aromatase inhibitors are used to block the activity of the aromatase enzyme and, therefore, stop the production of estrogen. This helps slow down the growth of tumor cells that are sensitive to estrogen.
In most premenopausal women, the ovaries produce too much aromatase for these inhibitors to work effectively. However there is some evidence of benefit of these drugs in premenopausal women if their risk of recurrence is high enough that they’re also getting chemotherapy, but the evidence is not strong, so you should discuss this question with your doctor.
Examples of aromatase inhibitors include anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin). All of these are in the form of pills that are taken once a day. Many women don’t feel any side effects when taking these drugs, but some may experience hot flashes, joint stiffness, or achiness.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Erica Mayer is a medical oncologist and a clinical investigator in the Breast Oncology Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Read More
In postmenopausal women, there is still some production of the hormone estrogen even though the ovaries have largely shut down. Drugs called aromatase inhibitors are used to block the activity of the aromatase enzyme and, therefore, stop the production of estrogen. This helps slow down the growth of tumor cells that are sensitive to estrogen.
In most premenopausal women, the ovaries produce too much aromatase for these inhibitors to work effectively. However there is some evidence of benefit of these drugs in premenopausal women if their risk of recurrence is high enough that they’re also getting chemotherapy, but the evidence is not strong, so you should discuss this question with your doctor.
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Examples of aromatase inhibitors include anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin). All of these are in the form of pills that are taken once a day. Many women don’t feel any side effects when taking these drugs, but some may experience hot flashes, joint stiffness, or achiness.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Dr. Erica Mayer is a medical oncologist and a clinical investigator in the Breast Oncology Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Read More
