Skip to main content
Site logo linking the user to the homepage Site logo linking the user to the homepage

Peter's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
70-79
Work
Other (please specify)
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
East Anglia
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
Listen

Hormone Therapy (tablets)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

My urologist had suggestions such as an exercise pump to encourage blood flow where it is needed and Viagra or variants such as Cialis. These helped a bit but the harsh reality is that this hormone treatment depletes or eradicates testosterone which is kind of essential for sex drive and performance.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

The hot sweats abated after about 6 months. The weight gain has been mainly around the middle which is not a good look and a sensible diet regrettably does not seem to have any affect.

Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment

The increase in midriff is not very attractive! This comes with middle age but isn't helped by the treatment. Nevertheless, we have to keep in mind that this is a small price to pay for beating the disease.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Knowing that it is a form of chemical castration is not ideal. The effect on sex life is probably the most significant impact. Perhaps I've been fortunate but the other side effects are relatively mild.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

The only alternative in my case is an absence of treatment which would almost certainly result in metastatic cancer which would not end well. My understanding is that when I finally come off this hormone treatment I will be cancer free.

Share your story with others

By sharing your experience of prostate cancer on the infopool you can help others. Your experience is valuable as they go through their own journey. Help make the prostate cancer community stronger.

Share story

Prostate Cancer Research logo
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Policies
  • Contact us
  • About infopool
  • Accessibility statement
  • Info for HCPs

Prostate Cancer Research 

Suite 2, 23-24 Great James Street, 

London WC1 3ES

Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Youtube

Copyright 2025, All rights reserved. Registered Charity No: 1156027 

Site design by IE Digital

Main navigation
  • Home
  • Testing and Diagnosis
    • Prostate and you
    • Explore Diagnostics
    • Testing and diagnosis tool
    • Grading and Staging
    • Find services near me
    • Prostate Biopsy
    • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
  • Treatment and Care
    • Cancer Waiting Time Standards
    • Explore Treatments
    • Understand treatment choices
    • Prostate cancer treatment information webinars
    • Shared Decision Making
    • Palliative (supportive) care
    • End-of-life care
    • Mastering healthcare conversations
  • Stories
    • Share your story
    • Patient stories
    • Partners & carers
    • Living with side effects
  • Side Effects
    • Getting support for long-term effects of hormone therapy
    • Living with side effects
    • Emotional and Psychological Support
    • Getting support for peeing problems
    • Managing hot sweats and fatigue with hormone therapy
    • Getting support for sexual problems
    • Late effects of radiotherapy treatment
  • Partners and Carers
    • Partners and Carers
  • Research and Trials
    • Find clinical trials near me
    • Join Prostate Progress
Donate
User account menu
  • Log in
Powered by Prostate Cancer Research Prostate Cancer Research Logo