sex hormones

#Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms

Sex hormones, heart problems and diabetes in women

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Some cancer treatments lower the amount of sex hormones in the body. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone.  Low levels of these hormones may increase your risk of heart problems and diabetes. Hormone therapy and the risk of heart problems There is some evidence to suggest that aromatase inhibitors may increase the risk of heart problems. Aromatase inhibitors are a type of hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer. The group of aromatase inhibitors includes: anastrozole (Arimidex) exemestane (Aromasin) letrozole (Femara)   Research into hormone therapies and heart problems Evidence shows that before the natural menopause, oestrogen

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#Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms

Mood changes and sex hormones in women

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Some cancer treatments lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. Low levels of sex hormones can sometimes cause mood changes. Hormones and mood changes Hormones are natural substances made by the glands of our hormone (endocrine) system. They are carried around our body in our bloodstream. The main male sex hormone is testosterone. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. There is evidence that a fall in oestrogen levels can cause mood changes. This could be due to the cancer treatment, the menopause , or both.  The causes of mood changes can be difficult to assess

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#Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms

Bone loss and osteoporosis in women

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy treatments can lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. Lower levels of these hormones can increase bone loss. Bone loss (osteoporosis) and ageing Our bones start to thin around our late thirties. This is part of the natural ageing process. The bones go through a stage called osteopenia. This is when they start to become thinner. Osteoporosis is when the bones become more brittle and thinner. Having thinner bones makes them more at risk of breaking (fracture). After the menopause the levels of the sex hormone oestrogen

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#Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms

Thinking and memory changes in women

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Some cancer treatments lower the amount of sex hormones in the body. Low levels of sex hormones can cause problems with concentration, thinking, and memory. What are the sex hormones? Hormones are natural substances made by the glands of our hormone system. They are carried around our body in our bloodstream. They act as messengers to carry signals between one part of the body and another. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone.  Hormone therapy to treat breast cancer can work in one of two ways: lowering the levels of oestrogen blocking the effect of oestrogen on cancer cells 

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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

Problems with sleeping

By Dr. Ahmed Hafez

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can change the levels of sex hormones in your body. This can cause different side effects including difficulty sleeping (insomnia).  What is insomnia? Insomnia is when you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night. Does hormone therapy for prostate cancer cause insomnia? Hormone therapy can cause side effects such as hot flushes and anxiety. This can make it difficult to sleep. What are the best treatments for insomnia?   Relaxation techniques such as meditation can help. Your doctor might also suggest medicines if you’re finding it very difficult to sleep. Difficulty sleeping and

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