Anastrozole: How It Works, What It's Studied For & Safety
Anastrozole is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of androgens to estrogens, FDA-approved for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Clinicians consider it for adjuvant therapy for hormone-receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women (FDA-approved). Compounded variants are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network only after a clinician evaluation.
Also known as: Arimidex
How does Anastrozole work?
Anastrozole reversibly inhibits the aromatase enzyme, the rate-limiting step in conversion of androstenedione and testosterone to estrone and estradiol. Plasma estradiol decreases substantially within days of starting therapy.
What is Anastrozole studied for?
- Adjuvant therapy for hormone-receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women (FDA-approved)
- Off-label management of estradiol elevation during male testosterone-replacement therapy
- Off-label gynecomastia management
How is Anastrozole taken?
FDA-approved as a daily oral tablet (1 mg). Compounded co-formulations with testosterone, gonadorelin, or other hormones exist for clinician-directed protocols.
Is Anastrozole FDA-approved? Is it safe?
FDA-approved as a finished drug product when prescribed under its labeled indications. Compounded variants on this site are separate from the branded product and are dispensed only when a clinician determines a compounded preparation is appropriate. Reported effects include arthralgia, hot flashes, and decreased bone mineral density with long-term use. Estradiol monitoring is essential during off-label TRT-adjunct use to avoid over-suppression. Compounded prescription-only preparations are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network. Eligibility is decided by a licensed clinician based on intake and labs, not by checkout. Compounded products on this site are not FDA-approved and are not generic equivalents of any branded medication.
In the Regen Therapy catalog
This compound does not currently appear in an active Regen Therapy protocol. Browse the full catalog for adjacent options.
What does the research say about Anastrozole?
ATAC trial established efficacy in adjuvant breast cancer. Off-label TRT-adjunct use is supported by clinical-experience and small studies.
Citations & further reading
Considering Anastrozole as part of a protocol?
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