Life Hacks for Tackling Aromatase Inhibitor Side Effects

My Attempts to Outsmart My Breast Cancer Meds

I’m sharing the real real of what it takes to try to mitigate daily side effects because of a comment on my last post. If there is some way I may possibly pay it forward from my experience, I am humbled by the opportunity.

Let’s be honest: when your doctor hands you that prescription for an aromatase inhibitor (AI), you probably didn’t picture the side effects as the next big adventure on your bucket list. But there I was – brave, bald, and medicated- navigating the wild terrain of joint pain, nausea, hot flashes, fatigue, and mood swings harder than a toddler at a piñata party.

I’m a year and a half into the party of AI meds. The good news: as a survivor, I’m not alone, and neither are you. The even better news: There are life hacks to make things easier.

1. Joint Pain: When Your Knees Sound Like Popcorn

One of the most common complaints with AIs is joint pain. Suddenly, you’re auditioning for the role of the Tin Person in a local production of The Wizard of Oz. Every time you get up, there’s a symphony of creaks and snaps, and there is pain everywhere.

But wait! Before you resign yourself to being a human maraca, try these hacks:

• Warm It Up: Start your mornings with a warm shower. Let the water massage your joints into submission. If you sing “Let It Go” at top volume, you’ll loosen up your vocal cords too.
• Move It (Move It): Gentle stretching and low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga can help. If you’ve ever seen a cat attempt yoga, remember: nobody is judging your form. Remember as difficult as it is, it helps.
• Joint Support: Invest in a heating pad, comfy slippers, and possibly a pet cat or dog. Pets are optional, but highly recommended for their “furry therapy.”
• Talk to Your Doc: If the pain is relentless, discuss options like supplements, physical therapy, or adjusting your AI dose. Sometimes switching AIs or switching to Tamoxifen helps or taking breaks helps. Remember, your doctor is on your team—not just the person with the prescription pad.

I started off on Anastrozole and had horrible joint and bone pain all over my body along with muscle cramps. I was barely able to move and needed help to get out of bed or out of a sitting position and was unsteady walking. I looked like Tim Conway’s The Oldest Man trying to walk (dating myself – I was a kid when the Carol Burnett show was on TV). My doc switched me to Exemestane. It’s far from side effect free, and I’ve had to take breaks from it too, but it is better than Anastrozole on joint pain. I can’t speak to Tamoxifen. That’s given to pre-menopausal breast cancer patients or patients who can’t tolerate AIs.

I’ve been asked why I haven’t quit the meds because the side effects are so terrible. For me the risk of distant recurrence is too high to risk it. I view it as part of the ongoing fight. With a grade 3 cancer I feel like I just can’t play around.

2. Nausea: The house guest who has overstayed their welcome and refuses to leave

I’ve gotten used to carrying plastic grocery bags in my purse, my pocket, my bag, and my car – just in case. Here’s what’s in my arsenal (because you deserve All the relief):

• Sunflower Seeds: Already a fan favorite – spitting shells like a baseball pro can actually settle your stomach. Weirdly effective and oddly satisfying. It works for me. I do not care that I look like a pitcher on a mound when I’m spitting shells into a bowl. (Nod to Justbeingmelani, founder of the We Do Not Care Club. I love her videos – highly recommend them.) Sunflower seeds help keep my nausea at bay and don’t jack my blood sugar. It may not work for everyone but it works for me.
• Ginger Everything: Ginger tea, ginger chews, ginger ale (the kind with actual ginger). It’s nature’s anti-nausea MVP.
• Peppermint Power: Peppermint tea or essential oil can calm your belly and your nerves. Bonus: your breath smells amazing.
• Small, Frequent Snacks: Think grazing, not feasting. Crackers, toast, applesauce—bland is beautiful when nausea’s lurking.
• Cold Foods Over Hot: Sometimes the smell of warm food is the enemy. Try chilled smoothies, yogurt, or frozen grapes.
• Acupressure Bands: Those wristbands that look like 90s fashion accessories? They actually work for some people.
• Avoid Strong Smells: Your nose is suddenly a bloodhound. Keep it away from perfumes, cooking odors, and anything that smells like regret.
• Stay Upright After Eating: Gravity is your friend—don’t lie down right after meals.
• Hydration with Style: Sip water with lemon or cucumber slices. It’s spa vibes with a side of stomach-soothing.

I’ve taken nausea meds and they create another problem – constipation. In my opinion that’s worse than nausea and diarrhea. So I now stick with the natural remedies above. What I write next may be controversial. Medical marijuana is available for cancer patients where it’s legal. It also helps with joint pain. If someone is going that route, let me know how that’s working out for you.

3. Hot Flashes: Instant Sauna, No Membership Required

Forget expensive spas! With AIs, you get all the benefits of a sauna right at your own kitchen table, often at the most inconvenient moments. Who needs predictability, anyway?

• Layer Like an Onion: Wear layers you can peel off faster than a reality show contestant revealing a plot twist.
• Cooling Gadgets: Handheld fans, cooling towels, or even a mini spray bottle (filled with water, not gin—sorry) can be game changers.
• Night Sweats? Try moisture-wicking sheets and PJs. Pro tip: Keep a second pillowcase by your bed for quick swaps.
• Hydrate Like a Boss: Keep water on hand at all times. Bonus points if your water bottle features motivational slogans. (“You’re hotter than this flash!”)

4. Fatigue: When “Nap” Becomes Your Favorite Word

Some days, just getting out of bed feels like you’ve finished a marathon—and you don’t even get a medal for it.

• Smart Scheduling: Prioritize your activities. If it’s not essential, it can wait. The laundry will still be there. It’s very patient.
• Micro-Naps: Embrace the power nap. Ten to twenty minutes can revive you (and perhaps inspire a new career as a sleeping beauty).
• Energy Snacks: Keep healthy snacks handy—think almonds, fruit, or yogurt. Or chocolate. Because sometimes, only chocolate will do.
• Move When You Can: Light activity can boost your energy, even if it’s just a walk around the block or dancing to your favorite ‘80s song in the living room.

5. Mood Swings: Welcome to the Emotional Rollercoaster

AIs can turn your emotions into a game of “guess what I’m feeling now?” Spoiler: sometimes, it’s everything, all at once.

• Laugh Often: Seek out humor—funny shows, silly memes, or that one friend who can make you giggle-snort.
• Vent Creatively: Journal, paint, or sing about your frustrations. Bonus: you might discover a hidden talent.
• Ask for Backup: Don’t be shy about asking friends or a support group for help when you need it. (Just don’t ask them to help you move furniture unless you’re also providing pizza.)
• Mindfulness: Try meditation or deep breathing exercises. If your mind wanders, imagine you’re on a beach…without any hot flashes.

I’ve been surprisingly centered through most of my journey so far. But I have struggled with self-regulation a few times. I just remind myself that what we’re going through is hard and nobody is perfect. I’m getting through with lots of support and understanding and also doing the above.

6. Bone Health: Strong Bones, Strong You

AIs can make your bones lose density, so it’s important to keep them strong—preferably without becoming a statue.

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Don’t forget your supplements or dietary sources (cheese, anyone?).
• Weight-Bearing Exercise: Walk, dance, or bust out that retro aerobics VHS tape. Leg warmers optional.
• Bone Density Checks: Make sure your healthcare team keeps tabs on your bone health. Consider it your personal “rock solid” report card.

I’m getting ready for my second DEXA scan soon. I started with some mild osteopenia, told normal for my age (wow, I didn’t think 55 was old enough for that at the start of all of this). So we’ll see how well I’ve done with the suggested supplements soon.

7. Brain Fog: Where Did I Put My Keys (or My Sanity)?

Can’t remember why you walked into the kitchen? Welcome to the club.

• Sticky Notes Are Your Friend: The more neon, the better.
• Lists, Lists, Lists: Grocery lists, to-do lists, “do not forget to make a list” lists. Organization is your new superpower.
• Be Kind to Yourself: Everyone forgets things. Last week, someone put their car keys in the freezer. (Okay, it was me.)

People I know don’t fully get that I can’t remember things sometimes. It causes frustration and miscommunication. These days I’m defaulting to other people’s memories when I can’t remember. My memory isn’t completely gone either. It’s hit or miss. It’s a good thing that as a writer I have a lifelong habit of taking copious notes. I find a little nudge of a note or from someone helps me remember things. But even with a well-kept calendar and plenty of notes, I’m constantly asking my husband about things that he’s told me repeatedly.

8. Dryness: When Your Skin (and More) Feels Like a Desert

From dry skin to, well, other places, AIs can suck the moisture right out of you. Stay hydrated, inside and out!

• Moisturize All the Things: Lotion, lip balm, and a humidifier can make a world of difference.
• Stay Hydrated: Water, herbal teas, or low-sugar drinks are your friends. Sorry, margaritas don’t count (most days).
• Talk to Your Doctor: For persistent dryness in sensitive areas, ask about safe moisturizers or treatments. The pharmacy aisle is surprisingly well-stocked these days.

My oncologist referred me to urogynecology, which has been a godsend.

9. Staying Social: The Power of Connection

Sometimes side effects make you want to hibernate, but don’t underestimate the healing power of a good laugh shared with a friend.

• Find Your Tribe: Online or in-person support groups can be a lifeline. Everyone needs someone who understands “hot flash chic.”
• Celebrate Small Wins: Walked to the mailbox? High five! Went a whole day without complaining about joint pain? Treat yourself (responsibly)!
• Share Your Story: You never know who you’ll inspire

You Are More Than Your Side Effects

While aromatase inhibitors may bring their own circus of side effects, remember: you are strong, resilient, and (let’s face it) probably funnier than you were before. Hacks, humor, and a hearty dose of self-compassion can help you ride out the rough patches and keep shining—no matter what your medication throws your way.

So, grab your water bottle, give yourself a pat on the back, and know that you’re totally rocking this. And if all else fails, blame it on the medicine and have a good laugh. Sometimes, that’s the best hack of all.

#AISideEffects #AromataseInhibitator #AromataseInhibitatorSideEffects #Anastrozle #Exemestane #NauseaRelief #LifeHacks #SunflowerSeeds #GingerPower #PeppermintTea #SmallSnacks #ColdFoods #AcupressureBands #AvoidStrongSmells #StayUpright #HydrationTips #NaturalRemedies #HealthJourney #SurvivingAndThriving