Sex Hormone Symptoms And Cancer
Hormones are natural substances made by the glands of our hormone system. They travel to tissues and organs through the bloodstream. They act as messengers to carry signals between one part of the body and another.
There are many different types of hormones. They help with:
how the body changes food and drink into energy (metabolism)
the process during which a baby develops in the womb (reproduction)
growth
mood
sexual health
The main sex hormones in women are oestrogen and progesterone. The ovaries produce most of these sex hormones during reproductive years. Body fat also produces some oestrogen.
In men, the main sex hormone is testosterone. Most of this is produced by the testes.
Small amounts of these sex hormones are also produced in other parts of the body, including the in men and women. This means that men have a small amount of oestrogen and progesterone. And women have small amounts of testosterone.
Some cancers or cancer treatments can change the amount of hormones the body produces. Also, some cancer cells produce hormones that cause symptoms.
When cancer treatments change hormone levels, they usually lower the amount of a particular hormone. They can do this by blocking the action of hormones, or by reducing the amount of the hormone the body makes.
Sometimes, treatments can stop the body making a particular hormone altogether. Treatment related changes in hormone levels may be temporary or permanent.
An example of this is chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy drugs can affect how the ovaries work. This can lower or stop the amount of oestrogen the body produces.
Treatments for prostate cancer and breast cancer are most likely to affect hormone levels in the body. But treatment for other types of cancer can affect them too.
The sex hormones are the types of hormones most commonly affected by cancer and its treatment. Changes in the levels of sex hormones in the body can cause particular symptoms.
Whether you are likely to have changes in sex hormone levels depends on the type of cancer and treatment you have.
Oestrogen is a female hormone. The ovaries make most of the oestrogen. The adrenal glands, which are small glands just above the kidneys, also make a small amount. Body fat also produces some oestrogen.
During puberty, oestrogen helps with female sexual development, which includes:
the start and control of periods (part of the menstrual cycle)
development and growth of the breasts
hair growth under the arms (axilla) and in the pubic area
Men produce some oestrogen, but much less than women. The testes and adrenal glands make a small amount. This helps sperm to mature and boosts sex drive (libido).
Progesterone is another female hormone. It’s made in the ovaries. A small amount is also made by the adrenal glands.
Progesterone helps to control the menstrual cycle. It also plays a part in the process of making and releasing breast milk and maintaining pregnancy. During pregnancy the also produces progesterone.
Testosterone is a male hormone. The testes make most of the testosterone. The adrenal glands also make a small amount of a similar male hormone, which the body changes into testosterone. Men need testosterone to make sperm. It also helps to maintain muscle and contributes to sex drive. It plays a part in the sexual development of males during puberty, such as:
a deeper voice
growth of hair on the face, the armpits (axilla), chest, and tummy (abdomen)
growth of muscle and bone, with an increase in height and weight
In women, the ovaries and adrenal glands make small amounts of testosterone. This helps to maintain muscle and contributes to sex drive.
You are likely to have symptoms if your cancer treatment:
lowers the level of sex hormones
stops your body from making them
Symptoms vary from person to person. They might be mild, but they can also be severe and need treatment. Some symptoms will only last for a few weeks or months, or while you are having your treatment. But they can also last for many months or years.
Symptoms of changes in sex hormone levels can include:
hot flushes and sweats
memory and concentration problems
decreased or loss of interest in sex (loss of libido)
mood changes
tiredness
difficulty sleeping
joint aches and pains or stiffness
weight changes
bone loss and weakening that could lead to a condition called osteoporosis
heart problems due to increased cholesterol levels
worry and anxiety
headaches
feeling sick or having other digestive problems
a build up of fluid (fluid retention)
Women might also have:
vaginal dryness
problems peeing
changes to your periods (menstrual cycle)
hair thinning or loss of hair
Men might also have:
lower sex drive and erection problems (impotence)
breast swelling and tenderness
muscle weakness
You can read more about what you can do to help you cope with your symptoms.
Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms
Contact our cancer information nurses
We also have an online forum called Cancer Chat, where you can share experiences.
Last reviewed: 24 Mar 2025
Next review due: 24 Mar 2028
Cancer treatments can cause changes in sex hormone levels. Symptoms can include hot flushes, memory problems, tiredness, and loss of sex drive.
Cancer and its treatments can affect sex and sexuality. Get information and support for people with cancer, partners and single people.
There are organisations to help you cope with symptoms and side effects caused by cancer and its treatment.
The hormone system is a network of glands and organs that produce hormones. Hormone levels may sometimes be changed by cancer or its treatments.
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