Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Hot flushes and sweating happen because the lack of testosterone affects the part of your brain that regulates heat. More than half of the people who get hormone therapy will experience hot flushes. They can be difficult to cope with. 

Tell your doctor or nurse if these symptoms are troubling you. We also have tips to help you manage hot flushes.

• This can vary from mild tenderness, with or without swelling, to more noticeable tissue growth around the breast area. This swelling is also known as gynaecomastia.
   
• It can vary from mild tenderness, with or without mild swelling, to a more obvious amount of tissue growth around the breast area.
   
• Medications like tamoxifen can help. If this side-effect concerns you, tell your doctor or nurse.

Hormone therapy affects how your bones are formed and can lead to osteoporosis. This means that bones can become brittle, making
them more likely to break (fracture). You may have a DEXA bone density scan to check your bone health.

Read more about bone health.

You may gain weight, particularly around your waist. You may also lose some of your muscle tone and strength. 

Managing weight through diet and exercise keeps the body healthier.

• Aerobic exercise like swimming or brisk walking can improve your fitness and help you to lose weight.
• Resistance exercise, such as lifting light weights or using elastic resistance bands, can help to prevent muscle loss and keep your muscles strong.

Your team can advise you on suitable exercise and diet and can refer you to a dietitian, physiotherapist or other supports – just ask.

Extreme tiredness is a common side-effect. Fatigue can affect your energy, mood and concentration. Read more about fatigue and ways to manage.

Less testosterone can lead to mood changes, poor concentration or memory problems, anxiety and sometimes depression.

We have tips to help you cope with memory and concentration problems.