Help! Femara, Thirst, and NONSTOP Urination?

BunnyBerry · June 2014

Tonight is my 3rd night taking Femara (actually Letrozole) 5 mg. Just got my first hot flash (WOW!) even with the AC blasting straight on me. Luckily DH is being very compassionate.

The toughest part is the extreme thirst. Since I woke up this morning, I feel like I cannot quench the constant thirst - drinking 8 oz of water at least 2-3 times per hour. So of course that explained why I was peeing more often than usual. Until tonight a couple hours after my latest dose, when I had stopped drinking water for several hours (so I could sleep without getting up all night - but still feeling strong thirst), but I am now peeing more than ever. First after 20 minutes, then 10, then 5, and now even when I just peed it still feels like I have to again. Each time only a little bit comes out, but the urge is so strong it feels like I've been holding it for hours!

There's no pain, no burning, no darker or concentrated color or smell, so I don't think it's a bladder infection. It looks like this can be a side effect, but I just wanted to ask, is there anyone who experiences this so strongly with Femara?? I feel crazy! I just want to know if it's worth telling the doctor about, or if I can hope for it to go after after CD7 or if it will continue throughout the cycle? Thank you in advance for sharing your experience!!

Autumray · June 2014

Ugh im sorry side effects are the pits. However this sounds like me quite often without femera. I pee consantly through the night its awful. I would try drinking something besides water. Or adding something to it (lemon juice or something) but not a soda. I find that water really doesn't quench my thirst alone. This is one of my biggest PCOS issues because such high insulin. Really gets bad if I forget my metformin! I literally finish peeing then stand up and have to immediately sit down again its awful! Hope it slows down for you :-)

Sha259 · June 2014

No advice, but agree that you should follow up with your RE. Hopefully it is a fluke thing and will go away. I find that since more fruit is in season, instead of drinking water, maybe eat some fruit? Like apples or pears. They could help the thirst and should not cause the urge to go like tons of water. Though this happens to me, not because of meds, but when I eat watermelon. I end up going like a faucet, often!

mrskovarik · June 2014

The last two rounds of femara for me I constantly had to pee! And I was also very thirsty, although I didn't realize it was actually the meds until I was done taking them since I was already upping my water intake just to be better at staying hydrated. I guess I wasn't concerned about it since I didn't notice until later and it stopped when I was done taking it....maybe I should mention it next time I'm in just to see what they say. The only time I had hot flashes was when I was on clomid though

BunnyBerry · June 2014

@autumnray Adding lemon is a great idea! I will try it. Sorry you have to deal with this all the time!

@rumbera28 @emilee871 Thanks, I know you must be right about asking the RE. I will be completely honest - I am afraid to report a side effect because what if they want to take me off the meds this cycle or switch me to something else - I like Femara after reading about the options! But that is silly and I should just ask, there's probably something that can be done.

@sha259 Genius idea! I can't digest fiber but I will see if I can up the babyfood veggies and fruits. Also BTW I think you are super cool because you watch Korean TV and chose that actor for your crush.

@daydreamsam Thanks, I will get a Gatorade. Never had it before (just not a sporty girl I guess?), thanks for the idea!

@mrskovarik Isn't it crazy?? RE never mentioned any side effects except nausea (which I have all the time anyway to can't attribute it to Femara). I did think hot flashes were just a Clomid thing, so that felt really unfair, Lol.

Sha259 · June 2014

@BunnyBerry I do remember you mentioned the fiber thing, sorry about that. But I've had the baby food pears and they are pretty darned good!! I also agree with @DaydreamSam, Gatorade may also be a good option.

And, my crush on Yoo Ah In is a serious thing right now. $:\$ "> I'm fresh off his last TV drama, and sad that he is 1) not on my tv anymore and 2) likely to be going for his military service soon.

His 2 years of manditory service will seem like an eternity.

I also like Wang Leehom. He's like a crazy quadruple threat. Singer, Composer, Actor, he's super funny, plays a bazillion instruments, and I bet he can dance too! Is there anything that man can't do?!?!?

BunnyBerry · June 2014

@sha259 they are delicious - the pears and those guys.

I still have to give Jacky the gold in the dancing department, lol. So sorry about Yoo Ah's military service. At least when he gets back he might be more buff?

airidh80 · June 2014

Femara acts on the pituitary, and any time you involve the pituitary, excessive thirst can occur. Definitely bring it up with your RE, but I'd be willing to bet it's not abnormal.

I took a different drug at one point that had the same effect. I remember thinking, "At last, I know what it's like to be a vampire, roaming the earth with an unquenchable fire in my throat." So I feel ya.

BunnyBerry · June 2014

@airidh80 Wow, I didn't know that about pituitary glands! Makes sense. Thanks!

BunnyBerry · June 2014

@caterinac See you had Femara this cycle for IUI#2, I hope this is the month for you!!

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