Aromatase inhibitors block formation of estrogen from other hormones in the body. They are prescribed for women whose breast cancer was estrogen positive in an effort to prevent recurrence. Women usually take these medications for five years following active treatment for breast cancer.
In the study, nearly three-quarters of the women participating reported insufficient lubrication, 56 percent had pain during intercourse, half said their sexual interest was low, and 42 percent were dissatisfied with their sex life.
The study pointed out that women taking Tamoxifen, to prevent a recurrence of their breast cancer, also had low sexual interest and more pain with intercourse. However they had far fewer problems than women taking aromatase inhibitors.
In a press release, researchers Dr. Juliane Baumgart and her colleagues at Orebro University and Uppsala University stated, “These percentages are much higher than for postmenopausal women who weren’t treated for breast cancer.”
The researchers went on to state that there is a lack of effective treatment for the sexual side effects of aromatase inhibitors.
They concluded by stating that further research is needed to learn more about the causes and impact of these side effects in order to improve breast cancer survivors’ quality of life.
While the study found an association between this class of drugs and sexual problems, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.