I had a lumpectomy - intraductal. Upon taking Arimidex and Femara, I started to gain weight and my breasts increased in size from a 34B to 40C. I gained 12 pounds on a 5'2" body. I've been careful what I eat since I have been 10 years old. Is this normal and how can I counteract these side effects especially the weight gain? Would an endocrinologist help?
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Q: weight gain increased breast size
Answers (3)
8/ 3/08 8:28pm
Vi, there are lots of things that contribute to weight gain, including a slower metabolism post-menopause. Tough as it is, the answer is often fewer/better calories, more exercise. Also, weight-bearing exercises (e.g., weightlifting) are very good for you, as they help counteract the loss of bone density you'll get from an aromatase inhibitor. Also, if you're having sleep issues, lack of sleep can help pack on the pounds, too. So it may not be the AIs per se making you gain weight - it might be a whole bunch of other factors that have all converged at the same time as taking the AIs. Since AIs have been proven very effective at preventing recurrence, I'd say try to hang in there with them as long as you can... As Sherree mentioned, you probably don't need an endocrinologist. There's no magic solution here, just some tough decisions. Good luck to you. PJH
8/ 3/08 6:32pm
Unfortunately, weight gain can be a common side effect with the aromatase inhibitors. Counteracting the weight gain is usually a matter of diet and exercise but again, that is often more difficult with age, menopause and aromatase inhibitors. I don't think an endocrinologist would be particularly helpful. I would start with checking back with the oncologist managing your case and see if changing the aromatase inhibitor would help. If not, then it is certainly your decision to continue or discontinue the drug but discuss it with your doctor whatever you decide.
Sherree
8/ 5/08 8:47pm
While the weight gain is a fairly common side effect of AI's, it may be in your best interest to see an endo dr IF thyroid problems run in your family OR if you gained the weight very quickly; such as 12 lbs in one or two months. If it's just been a steady gain since you started your AI meds, it's likely not a thyriod concern.
As everyone else has said, you just have to find that right balance. It's hard, I know. Like fighting an uphill battle.
It seems most of the meds I take are known for causing weight gain. I easily lost 90 lbs prior to cancer in 2005 - but now in menopause at 34 and taking these medications, I have gained 60 lbs in the last year. I have yet to talk with an endo doc but plan to as thyriod problems run in my family, even though cancer did not. I swear between the weight gain ,joint pain & hot flashes I sometimes wonder, but I don't want to worry about cancer coming back a 3rd time, as I've just been through it a 2nd time and recurrence is no fun. So I think I will take the weight gain any day cause at least I can TRY to control that!
Best of luck.
Angi
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