Sex hormones and weight changes in women

Some cancer treatments lower the amount of sex hormones in the body. Low levels of sex hormones can sometimes make you put on weight.

What are the sex hormones? 

Hormones are natural substances made by the glands of our hormone (endocrine) system. They are carried around our body in our bloodstream. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. The main male sex hormone is testosterone.

Sex hormones and weight changes

After the menopause the way that fat is distributed around the body changes. Extra weight tends to build up around the waist, rather than on the hips and buttocks. This change is caused by a drop in oestrogen levels.

But weight gain is usually caused by a combination of factors, including diet and exercise. You might notice a change in your body shape if treatment for cancer has put you into the menopause. Or if the treatment blocks the production of oestrogen.

Coping with weight changes

Changes in weight can affect your confidence and self esteem. Trying to make changes to your diet and starting or increasing exercise when you aren’t feeling at your best can be difficult.

Treatments for cancer, including hormone treatments, can cause tiredness, which may make exercising more difficult. And this can add to weight gain.

Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and sweats, can also make it more difficult to cope. Talk to your GP or specialist nurse about any problems you have. They can also refer you to a dietitian to help you make changes to your diet.

Weight changes and exercise

Changing your diet and being more physically active may help you to maintain your normal weight.

Exercise

Being physically active means any movement that uses your muscles and more energy than when you’re resting.

Physical activity also helps to control your weight. You don’t have to go to the gym, you can build it into your life. For example, you could get off the bus at the stop before you need to. Or do some gardening or join a walking group. Some hospitals and health centres organise exercise sessions for cancer patients. Ask your specialist nurse if this is available.

It is difficult to write exercise guidelines to cover everyone. Everyone is different in terms of how much exercise they can do. And there are many types of cancer and treatments.

The UK government and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) have suggestions for preventing cancer and other conditions. They say that all adults should try to be physically active every day. This includes people with cancer.

They say that all adults should try to do:

• moderate or vigorous activity, or a combination of both

• strength (resistance training)

• balance and flexibility activities

• reduce the time that you are sedentary

Remember that everyone is different and exercise needs to be tailored to you. Take into account your fitness, diagnosis, and other factors that could affect safety. 

Your doctor may check your cholesterol and heart health before you start an exercise plan. This is important if you have conditions such as diabetes or you are overweight.

Diet

Eating a balanced, healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can also help you lose or put on weight if you need to.

Bone health

Hormone treatment may lower your bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. Talk to your doctor if this could be a problem for you.