What Is Anastrozole Used For? (Cont.)

How Does Anastrozole Work?

Anastrozole is part of a group of medications called aromatase inhibitors. Aromatase is an enzyme found in various places in the body. These enzymes help produce estrogens (particularly, a certain estrogen called estradiol). In postmenopausal women, most of the estrogen in the body is made by aromatase enzymes. By blocking these enzymes, anastrozole helps to decrease the amount of estrogen in the body.
 
Many breast cancers are sensitive to the estrogen hormone, meaning that the tumor grows with the help of estrogen. When a tumor is sensitive to estrogen, it has receptors on the outer surface of its cells. Estrogen fits into these receptors like a key opening a lock. When this connection is made, the cancer grows. Breast cancers that have estrogen (and/or progesterone) receptors are known as hormone receptor-positive tumors.
 
By decreasing estrogen production, anastrozole can help decrease the growth of these breast cancers.
 

Is Anastrozole Used for Children, Adolescents, and Men?

Anastrozole is not approved to treat breast cancer in children, adolescents, or men (see Male Breast Cancer). Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using anastrozole in children or adolescents.
 

Is Anastrozole Used for Off-Label Uses?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend anastrozole for something other than the condition listed in this article. At this time, off-label anastrozole uses include:
 
  • Breast cancer treatment in premenopausal women
  • Treating excess estrogen in men
  • Inducing ovulation in women as part of infertility treatment.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;