What Massage Therapists Need to Know: Hormone Therapy in Cancer Care
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Menopause hormone therapy vs. cancer hormone therapy
One of the most common points of confusion is the term hormone therapy itself.
This distinction matters because many clients will say, “I'm on hormone therapy,” but the physiological effects are opposite of the 2 types of hormone therapy.
Hormones in menopause management | Hormones in cancer treatment |
Hormones are added to relieve menopause symptoms | Hormone therapy blocks or removes hormones that cancer cells rely on for growth |
Which Cancers Are Treated with Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy is commonly used for some types of:
Breast cancer
Prostate cancer
Hormone positive cancers rely on hormones to grow. Hormone therapy reduces the cancer's access to these hormones and can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence.
Common Hormone Therapy Medications
Becoming familiar with the names of hormone therapies used in cancer treatment will prepare massage therapists for the information brought in by our clients.
Breast cancer hormone therapies | Prostate cancer hormone therapies | |
Tamoxifen | Aromatase Inhibitors | Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) |
Typically used before menopause Blocks estrogen receptors on cancer cells | Typically prescribed after menopause Examples include Anastrozole Letrozole Exemestane | Blocks testosterone and dihydrotestosterone to inhibit cancer cell growth. |
What this looks like in the treatment room
“My scans are clear, but I hurt everywhere.”
“Are you on hormone therapy as part of your cancer treatment?
Instead of assuming generalized muscle tension, we need to consider endocrine therapy as part of our intake inquiry.
Why Side Effects of hormone therapy Matter to Massage Therapists
"I thought treatment was over. Nobody told me I would still feel this way."
Our patients who have completed surgery, chemotherapy and radiation often look like they are well on the road to recovery. Yet, if they are taking hormone therapy they are living with a range of side effects that deeply impacts their lives.
Common Side Effects You May Encounter
Joint and Muscle Pain
One of the most common complaints is widespread joint stiffness and aching. Some people describe feeling as though they have aged decades in a matter of months.
Fatigue
Hormone therapy may contribute to ongoing exhaustion and reduced exercise tolerance.
Hot Flashes and Temperature Sensitivity
Many clients experience sudden heat surges, night sweats, and temperature fluctuations similar to menopause symptoms.
Bone Loss and Osteoporosis
Reduced estrogen or testosterone levels can contribute to decreased bone density and increased fracture risk.
Mood Changes and Emotional Distress
Hormone therapy may affect mood, sleep, sexual well-being, body image and relationships. Some clients report increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or grief related to treatment-induced menopause or changes in sexual health.
Massage Considerations
Pressure may need to be modified for anyone who…
Is exhausted
Has fragile bones and skin
Is deeply fatigued
Positioning considerations and support of painful shoulders/hips/knees for…
Joint and muscle pain
Tender breasts
Careful use of heat and draping in consideration of hot flashes.
Fatigue may require…
Shorter duration massages
Modified touch to avoid over exertion of the client’s body
Mood changes/emotional distress may fall outside the scope of practice of massage.
A compassionate therapist can:
Create a safe, comforting space
Listen without trying to solve problems
Recognize that touch can support emotional regulation and a sense of connection.
Pressure is rarely the solution
When clients experience hormone-related pain, it's tempting to think they need deeper work. Often the opposite is true.
Joint pain from endocrine therapy is not primarily a muscle problem. It reflects complex hormonal changes affecting connective tissue and inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Hormone therapy is often described as a "maintenance" treatment, but for many people the side effects impact nearly every aspect of daily life. Every morning they may wake with aching hands, interrupted sleep, or fatigue that others cannot see.
Our role as massage therapists is to understand how treatment affects the person in front of us and adapt our care accordingly.
When we recognize the impact of hormone therapy, we move beyond treating symptoms and toward supporting the whole person living with cancer and its long-term effects.
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