Hormonal therapy
What are hormones?
Hormones are substances produced naturally in the body. They help control how cells grow and what they do in the body.
Hormones are produced by a number of different organs and glands. Together, these are known as the endocrine system. Hormonal therapy is sometimes called endocrine therapy.
What is hormonal therapy?
Hormonal therapies work by changing the production or activity of particular hormones in the body. They are most commonly used to treat breast cancer and prostate cancer. The type of hormone therapy you have depends on the type of cancer being treated.
You can read more in the treatment section for the type of cancer you have:
- hormonal therapy for breast cancer
- hormonal therapy for breast cancer in men
- hormonal therapy for DCIS
- hormonal therapy for secondary breast cancer
- hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
- hormonal therapy for advanced prostate cancer
- hormonal therapy for womb cancer
Our section about cancer drug treatments has more general information that you may find helpful.
There are several different types of hormone therapy. People usually have it as either tablets or injections.
Side effects of hormonal therapy
Side effects of hormonal therapies will vary and depend on the individual drug. General side effects can include:
- tiredness (fatigue)
- headaches
- feeling sick (nausea)
- muscle or joint aches.
Some people have:
- hot flushes
- a lowered sex-drive
- erectile dysfunction.
We have more detailed information about particular treatments or drugs.
Related pages
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our hormonal therapy information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
ESMO. Early breast cancer clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. 2019, Vol 30, pp1192–1220. Available from: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/guidelines-by-topic/breast-cancer/early-breast-cancer [accessed 2024].
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Early and locally advanced breast cancer: diagnosis and management. 2018. Updated 2023. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng101 [accessed 2024].
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management. 2019. Updated 2021. Available from Recommendations | Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management | Guidance | NICE (accessed 2024).
Date reviewed
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