Letrozole: What is it?

Letrozole: What is it?

Letrozole is a medication that is commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aromatase inhibitors, which work by reducing the level of estrogen in the body. Estrogen can promote the growth of certain types of breast cancer, so by decreasing its levels, letrozole helps to slow down or stop the progression of the disease.

How Does Letrozole Work?

As mentioned earlier, letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor. Aromatase is an enzyme that is responsible for converting androgens (male hormones) into estrogen (female hormones) in the body. By blocking this enzyme, letrozole reduces the amount of estrogen produced, effectively starving estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells and preventing them from growing.

Who Can Benefit from Letrozole?

Letrozole is typically prescribed to postmenopausal women who have hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, meaning that their cancer cells rely on estrogen to grow. It is often given as part of adjuvant therapy after surgery or as a first-line treatment for advanced breast cancer. In some cases, letrozole may also be used in combination with other medications or treatments to improve outcomes.

In addition to its use in breast cancer treatment, letrozole has also been studied for its potential benefits in fertility treatments. Some women who have letrozoleonline difficulty conceiving due to hormonal imbalances may be prescribed letrozole to stimulate ovulation and improve their chances of getting pregnant.

Overall, letrozole is a valuable medication that plays a crucial role in the management of certain types of breast cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about whether letrozole may be a suitable option for treatment.