Women - Coping With Sex Hormone Symptoms
Some cancer treatments lower the amount of sex hormones in the body. Low levels of sex hormones can sometimes make you put on weight.
Hormones are natural substances made by the glands of our hormone (endocrine) system. They are carried around our body in our bloodstream. The main female sex hormones are oestrogen and progesterone. The main male sex hormone is testosterone.
Go to more information about sex hormones and cancer
After the the way that fat is distributed around the body changes. Extra weight tends to build up around the waist, rather than on the hips and buttocks. This change is caused by a drop in oestrogen levels.
But weight gain is usually caused by a combination of factors, including diet and exercise. You might notice a change in your body shape if treatment for cancer has put you into the menopause. Or if the treatment blocks the production of oestrogen.
Other factors that may contribute to weight gain include:
changes to your lifestyle due to treatment related side effects, such as fatigue, poor sleep quality, and mood changes. Fatigue may lead to preparing fewer meals with fresh produce, fruit and vegetables
taste changes during chemotherapy can lead to eating different meals than usual
medications such as steroids
Read about treatments that cause sex hormone symptoms
Changes in weight can affect your confidence and self esteem. Trying to make changes to your diet and starting or increasing exercise when you aren’t feeling at your best can be difficult.
Treatments for cancer, including hormone treatments, can cause tiredness, which may make exercising more difficult. And this can add to weight gain.
Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and sweats, can also make it more difficult to cope. Talk to your GP or specialist nurse about any problems you have. They can also refer you to a dietitian to help you make changes to your diet.
Changing your diet and being more physically active may help you to maintain your normal weight.
Being physically active means any movement that uses your muscles and more energy than when you’re resting.
Physical activity also helps to control your weight. You don’t have to go to the gym, you can build it into your life. For example, you could get off the bus at the stop before you need to. Or do some gardening or join a walking group. Some hospitals and health centres organise exercise sessions for cancer patients. Ask your specialist nurse if this is available.
It is difficult to write exercise guidelines to cover everyone. Everyone is different in terms of how much exercise they can do. And there are many types of cancer and treatments.
The UK government and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) have suggestions for preventing cancer and other conditions. They say that all adults should try to be physically active every day. This includes people with cancer.
They say that all adults should try to do:
moderate or vigorous activity, or a combination of both
strength (resistance training)
balance and flexibility activities
reduce the time that you are sedentary
Read more about exercise and cancer
Remember that everyone is different and exercise needs to be tailored to you. Take into account your fitness, diagnosis, and other factors that could affect safety.
Bone pain and fatigue can make it harder to want to exercise or increase activity. So, it is important to start slowly and increase your activity gradually.
Your doctor may check your cholesterol and heart health before you start an exercise plan. This is important if you have conditions such as diabetes or if you are overweight.
Eating a balanced, healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight. It can also help you lose or put on weight if you need to.
Find out more about a healthy diet
Hormone treatment may lower your bone density, increasing the risk of fractures. Talk to your doctor if this could be a problem for you.
Last reviewed: 04 Jun 2025
Next review due: 04 Jun 2028
Some cancer treatments lower the levels of sex hormones in the body. This sometimes causes mood changes.
Cancer treatments can cause changes in sex hormone levels. Symptoms can include hot flushes, memory problems, tiredness, and loss of sex drive.
Eating a balanced diet can help you cope with cancer and its treatments.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
