Side effects for men taking hormone-blocking therapies

If you’re taking hormone blocking therapy for male breast cancer, you may experience some side effects.

It’s important to talk to your doctor or breast care nurse for advice and support. They can give you advice on ways to reduce side effects.

Some of the potential side effects of hormone-blocking therapy and strategies to help reduce impacts include:

Hot flushes

• try to keep cool by wearing loose cotton clothing or using a fan
• avoid triggers such as caffeine, alcohol and spicy food
• try complementary therapies such as acupuncture
• reduce your stress with mindfulness, yoga or tai chi
• ask your GP about medications that may help.

Mood changes (anxiety, depression, irritability/anger)

It is important to talk about the emotional impacts of breast cancer and its treatment with your GP, oncologist, psychologist, family and friends.

Exercise, meditation and restful sleep can also help.

Sleep issues

You can try to reduce sleep problems by following good ‘sleep hygiene’ practices:

• have a regular routine for sleep
• avoid screen time 30 minutes before sleep
• avoid alcohol
• take regular exercise.

Read about Sleep problems, which has tips to improve your sleep.

Muscle weakness and weight gain

Speak to your treating team for advice. They can arrange a review of your diet and exercise to help manage side effects of treatment.

They can also refer you to specialists such as accredited exercise physiologists who can tailor an exercise program for you.

Sexual impacts

You may experience side effects such as decreased libido and difficulties having an erection (more likely with goserelin). If you do, you can try:

• talking to your partner about the side effects of treatment
• other forms of intimacy and non-penetrative practices
• regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure other health conditions are diagnosed and treated such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Note that medication such as Viagra may not be as effective when taking hormone-blocking therapy.

Bone density issues (Osteoporosis)

To reduce the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, your doctor may:

• send you for a DEXA scan to monitor bone density
• check the vitamin D levels in your blood
• recommend a good diet that includes calcium
• suggest weight bearing, balance and strength exercises
• order bone-strengthening medications.

Read about Ways to improve your bone health.