Aromatase inhibitors are a form of hormone therapy used in women who are postmenopausal to treat breast cancers that are stimulated by the presence of estrogen.
Before reaching menopause, women produce most of their estrogen in the ovaries. After menopause, most of the estrogen in a woman’s body is produced in fat and other tissues, not in the ovaries. Making estrogen outside of the ovaries relies on another natural substance in the body called aromatase.
Treatment
Aromatase inhibitors work by blocking the effect of aromatase, therefore reducing the amount of estrogen a postmenopausal woman can produce. If the overall level of estrogen is reduced, there is less available to bind to the estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells. This helps to slow the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
The effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors for men with breast cancer is less clear, but some men may benefit from this therapy. Premenopausal women do not benefit from aromatase inhibitors because the therapy does not stop the ovaries from producing estrogen.
Side effects
Possible side effects of aromatase inhibitors include hot flashes, joint pain, muscle aches and fatigue. There is also an increased risk for osteoporosis (weakening of the bones).
Ask your health care team about the benefits, limitations and possible side effects of aromatase inhibitors to help you make an informed decision about your treatment.
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