Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is a type of drug treatment offered to some people with cancer. If you are having hormone therapy, this information will help you understand how it works and what to expect while taking it. Hormone therapy is also known as androgen deprivation therapy or endocrine therapy.
- Is hormone therapy available as part of my treatment plan?
- Why do I need hormone therapy?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of hormone therapy for me?
- Will I have other treatments as well as hormone therapy?
- Which hormone therapy drug are you recommending? Does it have different names?
- How do I have hormone therapy?
- How much does treatment cost?
- How long will I be on hormone therapy?
- Can I take my other medicines while I am having hormone therapy?
- How will I know if the treatment is working?
- What are the risks and possible side effects of hormone therapy?
- Will the side effects be long term or short term?
- What can I do to help manage any side effects?
- Will hormone therapy affect my sex life and fertility?
- Are there any complementary therapies that might help me?
- Should I change my diet or physical activity during or after treatment?
- How often will I need check-ups while I’m on hormone therapy?
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All updated content is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Two Consumer reviewers; Prof Declan Murphy, Urologist and Director of Genitourinary Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Nicholas Wilcken, Director of Medical Oncology, Westmead Hospital Sydney, NSW.
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