title: Menopausal-type symptoms among breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitor therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine self-reported menopausal-type symptoms among breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors (AIs) compared to women of the same age who had not been diagnosed with cancer, and to determine whether the percentage of breast cancer patients experiencing these symptoms changed over the first 6 months of AI treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from a 6-month cohort study of 100 breast cancer patients initiating AI therapy and of 200 women of a similar age without a history of cancer were analyzed. At baseline (prior to the initiation of AI therapy among the breast cancer patients), 3 months, and 6 months, a comprehensive questionnaire was administered to participants that ascertained data on the experiencing of specific menopausal-type symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The data showed statistically significant increases in the prevalence of certain symptoms from baseline to either follow-up point among the breast cancer patients; these symptoms included hot flushes, night sweats, pain during intercourse, hair loss, forgetfulness, depression, difficulty falling asleep, and interrupted sleep. Additionally, breast cancer patients were more likely than the women in the comparison group to report the new onset of many of these same symptoms during the follow-up time period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Because bothersome symptoms and side-effects are a major reason for discontinuation and non-adherence to treatment, symptoms should be monitored and addressed by oncologists so that the breast cancer patient can maintain her quality of life and remain adherent to the treatment schedule.
authors.affiliation: The Prevention and Research Center, Weinberg Center for Women's Health & Medicine, Mercy Medical Center, 227 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallicchio
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: MacDonald
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rushovich
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Helzlsouer
mesh_terms: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D020922:Sleep-Wake Transition Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors