A neutral, evidence-rated side-by-side of Anastrozole and Exemestane. Figures are typical reference values, not recommendations.
| Anastrozole | Exemestane | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ancillary | Ancillary |
| Evidence level | Well established | Well established |
| Primary class | Aromatase inhibitor | Aromatase inhibitor |
| Half-life | ~46 hours | ~24 hours (enzyme suppression outlasts plasma levels) |
| Typical dose | 0.25–0.5 mg/wk | 12.5–25 mg/day |
| Aromatises | No | — |
| Hepatotoxicity | Low | — |
| Documented effects | 2 | 2 |
| Documented side effects | 1 | 3 |
A non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor used to control oestradiol on aromatising cycles. Effective and well studied — with over-suppression, not under-dosing, the more common error.
Full Anastrozole page →Steroidal, irreversible ('suicidal') aromatase inhibitor developed for post-menopausal breast cancer. In the PED context it is used to blunt oestrogen conversion from aromatising androgens. Because it is androgenic and does not raise SHBG the way non-steroidal AIs can, it is often favoured, but the recurring error is aggressive dosing that crashes oestradiol and produces joint pain, low libido and adverse lipids.
Full Exemestane page →