Will I get side effects from hormone therapy?

Everyone is different, and some people don’t get many side effects, some do and they settle down after a few weeks, and others may get them and need some help to manage. This is why it’s important to have monitoring and check-ups with your consultant, as they can modify your doses or help you cope with side effects.

For men, potential side effects include:

• spots, usually on the back or chest

• prolonged painful erection

• aggression

• blood thickening

• changes in liver function

For women, potential side effects include:

• headaches

• breast pain or tenderness

• unexpected vaginal bleeding, or spotting

• feeling sick (nausea)

• mood changes, including low mood or depression