Anastrozole
Also called: Arimidex
What it means
Anastrozole (Arimidex) is an aromatase inhibitor drug used to treat certain breast cancers by lowering estrogen levels in the body.
Lowering estrogen this much can speed up bone loss, so anastrozole use is linked to a higher risk of thinning bones and fractures.
Anastrozole (brand name Arimidex) is a drug used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class called aromatase inhibitors, which work by blocking an enzyme that makes estrogen in body tissues outside the ovaries, dropping estrogen levels very low.
Because estrogen helps protect bone, this sharp drop can speed up bone remodeling and lead to faster bone mineral density loss than seen with some other breast cancer treatments like tamoxifen. Studies have linked aromatase inhibitor use to a higher rate of fractures during treatment.
Doctors typically order a baseline DEXA scan before starting anastrozole and repeat scans periodically to track bone density changes. Depending on fracture risk, a prescriber may also discuss calcium, vitamin D, or bone-protective medications such as bisphosphonates. Any decisions about starting, stopping, or adjusting anastrozole or related bone treatments should be made with the prescribing doctor.
This breast cancer drug lowers estrogen so much that it raises the risk of thinning bones and fractures.
Where this leads
WordCurious about the drug class anastrozole belongs to? See how blocking this enzyme to lower estrogen affects bone health broadly.
Where the Academy teaches it
This page is the short version. The lessons teach it in full, with the context around it and a quiz to lock it in.
Related words
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Education only, not medical advice. Decisions about tests, medications and treatment belong with your own doctor. OsteoStrong does not diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
