Day: March 27, 2024

#Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms

Hot flushes and sweats in women

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Cancer or cancer treatment can lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. This can lead to hot flushes and sweats. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. Hot flushes are one of the most common symptoms women have when they go through the menopause. But hot flushes can also happen because of treatment for cancer. Women having a natural menopause may find their hot flushes start before the menopause. They usually become less frequent and less severe during the 5 years after their last period. But for many, the hot flushes can go on longer.  

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#Sex hormone symptoms and cancer

Bone problems and osteoporosis in prostate cancer

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can lower the levels of sex hormones (testosterone) in the blood. This can cause different side effects including problems with your bones. How does hormone therapy for prostate cancer affect the bones? Hormone therapy lowers the levels of testosterone. This can cause thinning and weakening of the bones. How can I reduce the risk of bone problems? Make sure your diet has enough calcium and vitamin D. This helps to keep your bones healthy.  Can I take medicines to help with bone loss? Your doctor may suggest you take medicines called bisphosphonates to help with bone

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#Sex hormone symptoms and cancer

Sex hormones, heart disease and diabetes 

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer reduces the level of testosterone in the body. Low levels of testosterone can increase your risk of heart problems and diabetes. Does hormone therapy for prostate cancer affect the heart? Yes, research suggests that hormone therapy increases the risk of heart problems. Why does hormone therapy cause heart problems? Researchers think it’s because it increases the amount of fat in the body. Can hormone therapy cause diabetes? Yes, hormone therapy can increase the risk of diabetes. Some cancer treatments can lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. The sex hormones are oestrogen and

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#Sex hormone symptoms and cancer

Thinking and memory 

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy can cause different side effects. This includes problems with concentration, thinking and memory. Can hormone therapy for prostate cancer affect your memory? Yes, some people notice changes to how they think and remember after hormone therapy for prostate cancer. How long will I have memory changes? The changes are usually subtle and get better after treatment for most people. What helps with memory changes? It can help to keep a diary and write down everything you need to do each day. Some cancer treatments can lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. The sex hormones are

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#Sex hormone symptoms and cancer

Weight and muscle changes

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer. It can cause different side effects including weight and muscle changes. Does hormone therapy for prostate cancer cause weight changes? Yes, hormone therapy can cause you to put on weight. How can I avoid weight gain during hormone therapy for prostate cancer? Changing your diet and being more physically active may help you to maintain your normal weight. Can hormone therapy affect my muscles? Yes, it can cause loss of muscle mass and strength. Some cancer treatments can lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. The sex hormones are

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#Sex hormone symptoms and cancer

Breast swelling (gynaecomastia)

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Some hormone therapies for prostate cancer can cause swelling and tenderness in the breasts. This is gynaecomastia (pronounced guy-nee-co-mass-tee-ah). What is gynaecomastia? Gynaecomastia is swelling or enlargement of the breast in men. What causes breast swelling in men with prostate cancer? Hormone therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer. This can change the balance of hormones in your body and cause breast tissue to grow. What is the treatment for gynaecomastia? You might have radiotherapy, a drug called tamoxifen or surgery to remove the breast tissue. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you. Why does hormone

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