Replacement for Anastrozole?

[ann peschgesStudent]

I am so excited to be here!!  I can’t wait to start soaking up all kinds of info from all of you!  Since I am new to this forum, and we are supposed to ask some type of question to start a discussion, I am wondering if anyone knows what herbs would be a replacement for Anastrozole(I had breast cancer almost 4 years ago, and was put on this drug).  Thank you so much!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

Hmmm…

Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is one of the key enzymes in the production of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates growth of some breast cancer cell types.

There are some herbs that inhibit aromatase directly.

Also, progesterone and estrogen have a somewhat antagonistic relationship…in other words when one is high the other is low. So herbs that have chemistry that mimics progesterone (like chaste tree berry Vitis agnus-castus) would be interesting to look at too.

This is an interesting question worthy of some deeper research and reflection. Let me dig into this a bit and see what I can figure out. Maybe I’ll rope Brandon in on it too. He’s my son in law and has a Ph.D. in physiology. He’s working for the school now as a researcher and instructor. We’re working on a big endocrine system module right now as his first foray into lesson writing for the school.

 

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Paige, Allyson Reed

[Allyson ReedStudent]

Thank you so much for this topic. I am really wanting to find out how to boost progesterone naturally.  I am against any pharmaceuticals.  After having researched bioidentical hormones for a few years (and after having used them) I know that they work.  But, I’m curious if there are natural/herbal alternatives even to bioidentical hormones – specifically progesterone.

[ann peschgesStudentTopic Author]

Dr. Jones,

Thank you so much for the response!!  Anastrozole has some side effects that I have been able to deal with, but now the new cancer doctor wants me on it for 10 years because I am “very high risk” because I refused chemo and radiation nearly 4 years ago.  And he wants me to start coming in every 3 months….which I won’t do.  I have a feeling he will not extend  my prescription(usually it is only given for 5 years), so I’m just getting information to find out if I have any other options:)   Having checkups every 3 months will be more damaging to me physically and mentally than ditching anastrozole! lol.  I really do appreciate your thoughts on it.  I am thoroughly enjoying the classes.  Already have assisted a young mom with increasing her milk supply for her little one at Children’s Hospital thanks to your class!

Thanks again!!

[Author]

Posts