I was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2008. In 2009 I had surgery, chemo and radiation. In August 2009 I started Arimidex. I have quite a lot of bone pain and some hot flashes but the thing that got me out here on the WWW is that I am so often cold. I sit in my office with the space heater on when the thermostat says 72 degrees. At home the heat is turned up and I am in a sweatshirt with blankets over me. Could this be from the Arimidex? Is it possible that my thyroid was damaged by the radiation?
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Q: Why am I so cold? Is it the Arimidex? Could my thyroid have been damaged by radiation?
Answers (3)
2/ 2/10 8:02pm
Ask your doctor if Arimidex could be the problem. I've heard more people complain about hot flashes from it than being cold. Yes, radiation can damage the thyroid (although with the newer radiation machines, it is not common), and yes, thyroid problems can make people feel cold. Cancer treatment does seem to make some permanent changes in our bodies. I haven't heard other people talk about it affecting their "thermostat," but it might. After cancer treatment, you should let your doctor know about any physical changes you notice. This is probably not a serious problem (except for affecting your heating bill!), but do discuss it with your doctor just in case it's a signal for an underlying problem that needs investigation.
2/ 5/10 2:47pm
I started Arimidex in August. I am post-menopausal. No hot flashes, but cold. Yes. I am cold ALOT. This is definitely different than before starting Arimidex. Just never associated the coldness with the medication. Anybody else?
10/23/12 9:37pm
I found your posting because I was searching the web for an answer to the same question. I'm 2 years out from ending chemo and radiation and starting Arimidex. Just recently, and just like you, I am suddenly very cold most of the time. Like you, I sit in my home office with the heat set to 76, a space heater under my desk running, wearing sweaters with a hood, and a wrap around me. There is a pattern here. It's worse in the mornings, but by about 2 p.m. I finally warm up. It does make me wonder if something is going on with my thyroid. Several years ago when I complained of being tired all the time, I had my thyroid level tested. Dr. said it was on the low side, but didn't need medication. Now I wonder. Going to the doctor makes me feel like a hypochondriac. I often exercise early in the morning, which you would think would help, but it doesn't. Just wondering if there's anything new on this topic in the last couple of years.
10/24/12 6:20am
Plugger, I understand your fear of seeming to be a hypochondriac by running to the doctor about every change in your body. However, the doctor of a cancer survivor on Arimidex won't see you that way. Your doctor wants to know about ANY change that lasts longer than a couple of weeks. Being cold might be an Arimidex side effect to can't be avoided, but there might be an easy treatment to fix it. There is also the possibility of a recurrence. I have never heard of being cold as a cancer symptom, but the possibility of recurrence is why your doctor wants you to call about changes. Give the doctor a call. I hope there is an easy fix beyond an extra blanket.
10/24/12 8:07am
I agree with Phyllis, Plugger - best to see your doctor. S/he won't think you're a hypochondriac - as cancer survivors, our doctors do want to hear about ALL our unusual symptoms. You'll probably want to get your thyroid re-tested, too; as Phyllis says, this doesn't sound like either a cancer symptom or an Arimidex side effect, so hopefully the doctors can figure out what's going on and how you can make things better. Take care - PJH
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By bean counter— Last Modified: 10/24/12, First Published: 02/02/10
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Thanks for your quick response. I plan to ask my doctor when I go in in a few days but thought I would see if anyone else was having this problem.