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What it is 

Hormone therapy is a type of cancer treatment that works by changing the levels of certain hormones in your body or blocking cancer cells from using them. Some cancers, such as breast, prostate, womb, and thyroid cancers, depend on hormones to grow. By reducing or blocking these hormones, hormone therapy can help slow or stop cancer growth. 

Hormone therapy may be used: 

  • On its own 
  • Before other treatments (to shrink a tumour) 
  • After other treatments (to reduce the risk of cancer returning) 
  • Alongside treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery 

Depending on the type of hormone therapy, it may be given as: 

  • Tablets 
  • Injections 
  • Implants placed under the skin 

Self-management tips  

You will be provided with a “Treatment Record Book” on your first visit to the day unit which has helpful self-management tips in a lot more detail.  

General advice: 

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids (around 1.5–2 litres a day). 
  • Keep active with light exercise such as walking to help reduce fatigue and maintain bone strength.  
  • Eat a balanced diet, including calcium‑rich foods to support bone health. 
  • Take care of your skin by moisturising with unperfumed cream daily especially if you experience dryness or hot flushes. 
  • Monitor your mood as hormone changes can sometimes affect emotional wellbeing. 
  • Keep a symptom diary to track changes and share with your specialist team. 

Sex and contraception 

  • It is important to use barrier method contraception (e.g. condoms) during treatment if you could or your partner could get pregnant.  
  • If you think you could be pregnant, please ensure you tell your specialist team or hotline service as soon as possible.  

Side effects of hormone therapy 

Not everyone experiences side effects, and many are manageable. Your cancer specialist team will discuss the side effects most relevant to your treatment. 

  • Common side effects include: 
  • Hot flushes and night sweats 
  • Tiredness (fatigue) 
  • Mood changes or low mood 
  • Joint or muscle aches 
  • Weight gain 
  • Reduced sex drive 
  • Vaginal dryness or erectile difficulties 
  • Breast tenderness or swelling  
  • Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) 
  • Changes in periods (pre-menopause) 

How to ask for help 

Before you start hormone therapy your cancer specialist team will discuss with you about your treatment plan including timings of drug administration and potential side effects.  

If you are feeling unwell and experiencing:

  • Sudden shortness of breath 
  • A fever (temperature above 38°C or under 36°C) 
  • Shivering episodes 

You are to call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department 

You are advised to call your hotline service if you are suffering from any of the following: 

  • Mouth ulcers that reduce the amount you can eat or drink 
  • Nausea that is not controlled with your anti-sickness medication 
  • Vomiting on more than one occasion
  • A rash 
  • A swollen limb 
  • Worsening of pre-existing breathlessness 
  • Gum or nose bleeds or unusual bruising  
  • Constipation, cough or problems passing urine  
  • Come into contact with shingles or chicken pox  
  • Four or more bowel movements in 24hrs or diarrhoea
  • You feel very unwell. 
  • Flu-like symptoms 

Some of the potential side effects, such as diarrhoea, can be serious if not treated quickly. We will talk you through the possible side effects so you know what to look out for. If you experience any of these side effects or your symptoms get worse 

If you are a solid tumour cancer or lymphoma patient call: 0783 114 7653 at any time. If the phone is not answered, please leave a message stating your name, hospital number and the problem you’re experiencing. A nurse will try to return your call as soon as possible.

If you are a Haematology patient (e.g. Leukaemia or Myeloma diagnosis) call: 

  • 020 8725 1680 Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) 09:00-17:00.  
  • At all other times call: 0208 672 1255 and ask for the haematology on call registrar. 

Treatment adjustments 

If side effects become difficult to manage, your team may: 

  • Adjust your dose 
  • Switch you to a different hormone therapy 
  • Recommend medicines to help with symptoms (e.g., for hot flushes or bone health) 

Stopping hormone therapy is rare, but if it happens, your team will discuss alternative options. 

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