What to expect from hormone therapy for breast cancer

Hormone therapy is used when breast cancer cells are stimulated by hormones. Depending on the medicine and whether you have gone through menopause, it may block hormone receptors, lower hormone production or stop the ovaries from making hormones. It can be used after other treatment or for cancer that has returned or spread.

Hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, changes in periods, lower sexual desire, joint or muscle aches and mood changes can occur. Some medicines can affect bone strength or cholesterol, so your team may review bone health and other medical conditions.

Take tablets at the prescribed time and do not stop them because of side effects without speaking with your oncology team. Keep a symptom diary, including flushes, sleep, mood, joint pain and vaginal symptoms, so your clinician can discuss practical treatments or a change in medicine.

Tell the team about blood clots, liver disease, osteoporosis, menstrual changes, pregnancy plans and all medicines or supplements. Gentle activity, suitable strength exercise, and attention to calcium and vitamin D may be discussed for bone health, based on your circumstances.

Contact your care team promptly for unexpected vaginal bleeding, severe mood changes, persistent pain or a new breast or chest-wall change. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, severe breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling or weakness, because these can signal a serious problem.

Ask which hormone receptor result supports treatment, how long therapy is planned, what to do about missed doses, whether bone assessment is needed, how fertility and contraception fit into care, and which symptoms require urgent advice.