Sex hormones and cancer

Hormones are natural substances made by the glands of our hormone system. They travel to tissues and organs through the bloodstream. They act as messengers to carry signals between one part of the body and another.

There are many different types of hormones. They help with:

• how the body changes food and drink into energy (metabolism)

• the process during which a baby develops in the womb (reproduction)

• growth

• mood

• sexual health

Sex hormones and what they do

Whether you are likely to have changes in sex hormone levels depends on the type of cancer and treatment you have. 

Oestrogen

Oestrogen is a female hormone. The ovaries make most of the oestrogen. The adrenal glands, which are small glands just above the kidneys, also make a small amount. Body fat also produces some oestrogen.

During puberty, oestrogen helps with female sexual development, which includes: 

• the start and control of periods (part of the menstrual cycle)

• development and growth of the breasts

• hair growth under the arms (axilla) and in the pubic area

Men produce some oestrogen, but much less than women. The testes and adrenal glands make a small amount. This helps sperm to mature and boosts sex drive (libido).

Progesterone

Progesterone is another female hormone. It’s made in the ovaries. A small amount is also made by the adrenal glands.

Progesterone helps to control the menstrual cycle. It also plays a part in the process of making and releasing breast milk and maintaining pregnancy. During pregnancy the ​placenta​ also produces progesterone. 

Testosterone

Testosterone is a male hormone. The testes make most of the testosterone. The adrenal glands also make a small amount of a similar male hormone, which the body changes into testosterone. Men need testosterone to make sperm. It also helps to maintain muscle and contributes to sex drive. It plays a part in the sexual development of males during puberty, such as:

• a deeper voice

• growth of hair on the face, the armpits (axilla), chest, and tummy (abdomen)

• growth of muscle and bone, with an increase in height and weight 

In women, the ovaries and adrenal glands make small amounts of testosterone. This helps to maintain muscle and contributes to sex drive.

Coping with sex hormone symptoms

You can read more about what you can do to help you cope with your symptoms. 

Women - coping with sex hormone symptoms

• Living with the effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Contact our cancer information nurses

We also have an online forum called Cancer Chat, where you can share experiences. 

Cancer Chat discussion forum