What is it?
Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. This means it stops the action of aromatase, an enzyme in the body that converts testosterone into oestrogen.
Why am I taking this medication?
Your doctor has noticed higher levels of oestrogen in your blood. This sometimes happens when men have extra testosterone in their bodies from TRT.
Too much oestrogen can have side effects in men, so your doctor has decided to give this medication to reduce the amount in your body. Too much oestrogen in men can lead to water retention, increased blood pressure and emotional changes, as well as affecting erection quality. Your doctor has decided that there isn’t an alternative licensed medication for this use and that anastrozole is the best option for you.
Why do I have this leaflet?
This leaflet is to give you extra information about Anastrozole use in men. When used in men it is an off-label or unlicensed use. This means that it is used in men for conditions that it hasn’t been fully licensed for and may not have the same safety checks for this use.
Side-effects
The side effects of Anastrozole in men are similar to those in women. It reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body. If oestrogen levels become too low then men can get certain side-effects. Always take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. (This list is not exhaustive, please check the manufacturer’s leaflet for further details.)
- Reduction in bone density
- Joint stiffness and pain
- Low mood and grumpiness
- Reduced erection quality
- Diarrhoea and stomach upset
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
- Dry mouth
- Headache or dizziness
- A weakened grip or numbness in the hands or fingers
If you notice any of these side-effects or other reactions that you think might be related then please contact your doctor immediately. Remember if you decide that you don’t want to continue using this medication then you can choose to stop at any time. This may lead to increased oestrogen levels and other side effects so please discuss this with your doctor.
It is important to note that we monitor your Oestrogen levels closely with our blood tests
Is there any evidence for its use in men?
Yes, this medication is used widely in the United States and other parts of the world to reduce oestrogen levels in certain men, particularly those on testosterone replacement.
Here are some useful studies that support its use in men:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5182219/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16046582
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26176805