How do Aromatase inhibitors work?

Asked by: Vanessa Ross

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) lower estrogen levels by stopping an enzyme in fat tissue (called aromatase) from changing other hormones into estrogen. (Estrogen can fuel the growth of breast cancer cells.) These drugs don’t stop the ovaries from making estrogen.

Do aromatase inhibitors really work?

Aromatase inhibitors are medications that help lower estrogen levels. They’re also called hormone therapy or endocrine therapy. For some people with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (one of the most common types), aromatase inhibitors are a safe, effective treatment.

What are the long term side effects of aromatase inhibitors?

Abstract. Breast cancer patients using aromatase inhibitors (AIs) as an adjuvant therapy often report side effects, including hot flashes, mood changes, and cognitive impairment. Despite long-term use in humans, little is known about the effects of continuous AI administration on the brain and cognition.

What does aromatase do in the body?

Aromatase is an enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens, and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) can eliminate the production of estrogen.

How long does it take aromatase inhibitors to work?

Official Answer. Arimidex works quickly to lower estrogen and some side effects start within 24 hours of starting Arimidex. Side effects that tend to come on quickly include hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, headache, and pain. Many of these will improve after a few days or weeks.

Do aromatase inhibitors accelerate aging?

Many breast cancer survivors on aromatase inhibitors (AIs) who experience joint pain feel a sense of accelerated aging. We demonstrate that heightened perceptions of aging due to AI use predicts non-adherence to AIs, after controlling for both joint pain severity and depression.

How much does aromatase inhibitor reduce risk of recurrence?

Breast cancer recurrence was significantly reduced in the group who had received aromatase inhibitors instead of tamoxifen. Overall, the risk was reduced by an average of a fifth (21%).

What does blocking estrogen do to your body?

One class of estrogen blockers that is often prescribed for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer does its job by blocking estrogens from getting to the receptors of the cells in the body, including cancer cells. The body still produces estrogens, but their effects are blocked in some cells.

Do you gain weight with aromatase inhibitors?

Weight gain is commonly reported by breast cancer patients on tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.

What foods should be avoided with anastrozole?

Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea.

Why are aromatase inhibitors better than tamoxifen?

Aromatase inhibitors are, for postmenopausal women, an even more effective endocrine treatment than tamoxifen, with further proportional reductions in recurrence rates of about 30%. Aromatase inhibitors versus tamoxifen in early breast cancer: patient-level meta-analysis of the randomised trials.

Do all aromatase inhibitors cause hair loss?

In general, complete hair loss does not occur with aromatase inhibitors like Femara; however, hair thinning has been reported. Other aromatase inhibitors (AIs) includes drugs such as anastrozole (Arimidex) and exemestane (Aromasin). Estrogen loss due to these products may lead to hair thinning or hair loss.

What is a natural aromatase inhibitor?

Grape seed extract: This extract has been shown to act as an aromatase inhibitor, or estrogen blocker, in postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer.

What is the strongest natural aromatase inhibitor?

Naringenin, naringin and quercetin were found to be the most potent and were thus selected for further assays. The experiments performed had two arms which aimed at investigating estrogen receptor (ER) modulation and aromatase inhibition potential of the three most potent compounds.

How can I flush excess estrogen?

Exercise regularly. Research suggests that exercise can help to reduce high estrogen levels. Premenopausal women who engage in aerobic exercise for five hours a week or more saw their estrogen levels drop by nearly 19%. Cardio exercise helps the body break estrogen down and flush away any excess.