Hi - Femara actually isn't a new drug - it's part of the famly of aromatase inhibitors, which have been in wide usage for 6-7 years, and less wide usage before that. Please read our aromatase inhibitor FAQS for more information about how it works, and possible side effects.

In fact, you're not depriving yourself of estrogen 100%. Your body still makes it, via the adrenal glands, I believe. Femara will prevent your body from using most of that estrogen, though; that's what an AI does.

Read up on menopause, because that in fact will be the range of side effects you may experience. You'll want to have a baseline DEXA scan, to track possible bone loss due to estrogen deprivation and Femara, which promotes bone loss. Other than that - exercise is a big help, in a variety of ways, both emotional and physical. If you find you're hit with mood swings and depression, definitely see a doctor about possible drug treatment; it's not a "failure" to take an antidepressant! It's natural to feel bad at times, considering what you're going through. But if these lows become constant, you'll want to treat them.

And there's no saying that will happen to you. I went through chemical menopause, took Arimidex for 5 years, and never felt any depression or had mood swings. So if you're a happy mom now, chances are you'll remain so - once you have a few months of adjustments behind you, perhaps.

Good luck - PJH