Exemestane
Also called: Aromasin
What it means
Exemestane (Aromasin) is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer by sharply lowering estrogen levels, which can speed up bone loss.
Lower estrogen from exemestane can accelerate bone thinning, so bone monitoring matters while you're on this medication.
Exemestane (brand name Aromasin) is a type of medication called an aromatase inhibitor, used mainly to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in women past menopause. It works by blocking the enzyme that makes estrogen in body fat, which drops estrogen levels very low. This helps slow or stop cancer growth, but estrogen is also important for keeping bones strong.
Because exemestane lowers estrogen so much, it speeds up bone remodeling in a way that favors breakdown over rebuilding, leading to faster bone mineral density loss than seen with some other breast cancer treatments like tamoxifen. Bone loss tends to be higher during the time someone is taking an aromatase inhibitor, and fracture risk goes up as a result.
Because of this, doctors typically monitor bone health with DEXA scans before starting and periodically afterward, and may recommend calcium, vitamin D, or a bone-protective medication like a bisphosphonate or denosumab for those at higher fracture risk. Any decisions about starting, stopping, or adding treatments should always be made with your prescribing doctor, based on your personal risk factors.
Exemestane treats breast cancer by sharply lowering estrogen, which can speed up bone thinning.
Where this leads
WordExemestane isn't the only option. Wonder how letrozole compares as another aromatase inhibitor affecting bone density?
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
An aromatase inhibitor is a medication that blocks the enzyme aromatase, which the body uses to make estrogen. It's…
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Letrozole (Femara) is an aromatase inhibitor drug used to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer by lowering…
Tamoxifen is a breast cancer drug that blocks estrogen in breast tissue but can act like estrogen in bone, so its…
A DEXA scan is a low-radiation X-ray test that measures how much mineral is in your hip and spine bones, giving you…
Bisphosphonates are osteoporosis medications — like alendronate, risedronate, and zoledronic acid — that slow down…
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.
