Hi Linda - If you're post-menopausal, there's no real alternative other than trying a different aromatase inhibitor: Aromasin, or Femara. For some women, they have slightly different side effects. Join and muscle pain is pretty common with those of us who take Arimidex; however, the other stuff you describe sounds like post-menopausal woes. These used to be treated with hormone replacement therapy, but as breast cancer survivors, we can't take hormones, so... as far as the vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, ask your doctor about Estring  (ee-string), which is kind of like an IUD that releases just a TINY bit of estrogen right around your vagina; that should definitely help the vaginal dryness and pain. But as for the loss of desire and weight gain, unfortunately, I've never heard of any foolproof solutions. Believe me - you have LOTS of company. Just about every woman I've ever known who's gone through menopause experiences the same thing. You might want to check our menopause site for more advice. Good luck - PJH