Living with the effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer affects your levels of hormones. This can cause different symptoms. Find out how it might affect you and how to cope with changes in the levels of hormones. 

Male sex hormones

Hormones are natural substances. Treatment for prostate cancer can lower the amount of sex hormones in your body. 

Hot flushes in men

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can change the levels of sex hormones in your body. This can cause hot flushes. 

Problems with sleeping

Prostate cancer treatments can lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. This can affect your sleeping. 

Breast swelling (gynaecomastia)

Some hormone treatments for prostate cancer can cause swelling and tenderness in the breasts. This is called gynaecomastia. 

Weight and muscle changes

Weight and muscle changes can be a side effect of hormone therapy for prostate cancer. It can cause you to put on weight and lose muscle strength. 

Thinking and memory

Low levels of sex hormones caused by hormone therapy can lead to memory changes, difficulty thinking and problems with concentration.

Sex hormones, heart disease and diabetes

Low levels of testosterone can affect your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Bone problems and osteoporosis in prostate cancer

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can lower the levels of sex hormones (testosterone) in the blood. This can lead to bone thinning and weakness.

Sex and relationships after treatment for prostate cancer

Learn how prostate cancer treatments can affect your sex life and find out ways to cope with this.

Last reviewed: 
05 Oct 2022
Next review due: 
05 Oct 2025