Treatment

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer usually depends on the hormone testosterone to grow. Hormone therapy blocks or lowers the amount of testosterone in the body. You usually have it with other treatments.

This section is about hormone therapy for people with prostate cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of the body. We have different information about hormone therapy for prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This is metastatic or advanced prostate cancer.

Find out about hormone therapy for metastatic prostate cancer

What is hormone therapy for prostate cancer?

Hormone therapy is a possible treatment for prostate cancer. You might have it with radiotherapy for prostate cancer that hasn't spread to distant body parts.

Living with the effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can affect the levels of your hormones. This can cause different side effects including hot flushes, swollen breasts, sleep disturbances and weight changes.

Last reviewed: 02 Jul 2025

Next review due: 02 Jul 2028