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Becky · 12-26-2005, 01:15 PM

Diane H - your doctor is right in that Arimidex and Femara work on inhibiting the same part of the (bio)chemical reaction where aromatase converts androgens into estrogen. Aromosin works on a different part of the reaction to prevent the synthesis of estrogen. Femara and Arimidex are non-steroidal and Aromosin is steroidal and the mechanisms are different but the end result is the same (no estrogen production in the adrenal glands or fat cells).

Faslodex is very much like Tamoxifen (blocks the estrogen receptors on the surface of breast cancer cells so estrogen cannot attach and signal cell growth and division). Arimidex and all AI's inhibit estrogen production outside of the ovaries (which is why you have to be post menopausal to take an AI). Thereby - no estrogen to bind to the estrogen receptor.

Take care

Becky

12-26-2005, 01:15 PM	#17
Becky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockton, NJ Posts: 4,179	For Diane and Susan Diane H - your doctor is right in that Arimidex and Femara work on inhibiting the same part of the (bio)chemical reaction where aromatase converts androgens into estrogen. Aromosin works on a different part of the reaction to prevent the synthesis of estrogen. Femara and Arimidex are non-steroidal and Aromosin is steroidal and the mechanisms are different but the end result is the same (no estrogen production in the adrenal glands or fat cells). Faslodex is very much like Tamoxifen (blocks the estrogen receptors on the surface of breast cancer cells so estrogen cannot attach and signal cell growth and division). Arimidex and all AI's inhibit estrogen production outside of the ovaries (which is why you have to be post menopausal to take an AI). Thereby - no estrogen to bind to the estrogen receptor. Take care Becky