Hormone Changes

For Women

Chemotherapy may cause a drop in the production of hormones released from the ovaries. Radiation treatment in the pelvis area can cause damage to the ovaries and changes in the vaginal lining.

After treatment or surgery, you may experience sexual side effects such as:

• Loss of libido
• Difficulty climaxing
• Reduced vagina size
• Vaginal dryness

Ask your doctor about treatments that may be available to reduce sexual side effects. Women with breast or ovarian cancer may not be able to use estrogen replacement, since some cancers are hormone sensitive and should not be partnered with hormone replacement therapy.

For Men

Radiation therapy may cause erectile dysfunction and lower levels of testosterone in men. These side effects may happen very slowly, six months to a year following treatment. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer may also lower the libido and create difficulty climaxing. Ask about treatments that may be used to lessen sexual side effects .

This information does not replace advice from your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and any health or treatment questions that you may have.