Can hormone therapy cause constipation?

Yes, constipation can happen with certain hormone therapies, particularly those used in prostate cancer care and broader cancer treatment settings. Constipation is specifically listed as a possible side effect with prostate-related hormonal therapy regimens. ^{[1] [2]} While menopause hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin) commonly causes symptoms like bloating, breast soreness, headaches, mood changes, nausea, water retention, and irregular bleeding, constipation is not typically highlighted among the most common adverse effects in these formulations. ^{[3] [4]} Constipation is also frequently triggered by other medications often taken alongside cancer therapies (for pain or nausea), so it can be part of the overall treatment picture even if the hormone itself is not the only cause. ^{[5] [6]}

How hormone therapy can lead to constipation

• Androgen-suppressing hormonal therapy in prostate cancer care can slow bowel movements, leading to fewer bowel movements than usual and difficult stool passage. ^{[1] [2]}
• In comprehensive cancer care, constipation often results from supportive medicines (such as certain pain or anti-nausea drugs) used with hormone or chemotherapy regimens. ^{[5] [6]}
• Broader endocrine changes (for example, thyroid dysfunction) can cause constipation; it’s important to consider and rule out hypothyroidism if symptoms are persistent. [PM17] [PM14]

What constipation feels like

Constipation often means fewer bowel movements than your normal pattern, hard stools, or straining to pass stool. ^{[5] [6]} It can come and go or persist during treatment courses. ^{[5] [6]}

Practical ways to cope

• Hydration: Aim for about 8–10 glasses (8 oz each) of fluids per day if your clinician agrees; water and non-caffeinated options with electrolytes can help. ^{[5] [6]}
• Fiber: Increase fiber gradually through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, prunes, and prune juice to soften and bulk stool. ^{[5] [7]}
• Gentle activity: Regular walking or light exercise supports healthy bowel movement. ^{[5] [8]}
• Bowel routine: Try using the bathroom at the same time daily and 5–15 minutes after meals to take advantage of the body’s natural reflex. ^{[9] [10]}
• Medications: Ask your clinician about safe, over‑the‑counter options:
  • Stool softeners (e.g., docusate sodium/Colace) to make stools easier to pass. ^{[11] [12]}
  • Osmotic or stimulant laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol/MiraLAX, senna/Senokot) to help trigger a bowel movement. ^{[11] [7]}
• What to avoid: Suppositories and enemas are generally discouraged unless your provider specifically recommends them. ^[12]

When to call your healthcare team

Reach out if you have not had a bowel movement for several days despite these steps, have severe abdominal pain or bloating, vomit, or notice blood in stool; these signs may need prompt evaluation and tailored treatment changes. ^[12] Your team can adjust hormone therapy dose or type when side effects become troublesome, but changes should only be made with medical guidance. ^[3]

Additional considerations

• Medication review: Since pain and anti‑nausea drugs commonly cause constipation in cancer care, discuss whether alternatives or dose adjustments are possible. ^{[5] [6]}
• Nutrition support: A referral to a clinical dietitian can personalize fiber and hydration strategies to your preferences and any treatment‑related limitations. ^{[11] [7]}
• Screen for other causes: Persistent constipation warrants checking for thyroid issues or other medical conditions that can slow gut function. [PM17] [PM14]

Bottom line

• Constipation can occur with certain hormone therapies, especially androgen‑targeted treatments in prostate cancer, and is also common due to co‑medications in cancer care. ^{[1] [2] [5]}
• Most people can improve symptoms with hydration, fiber, gentle activity, routine, and appropriate over‑the‑counter options under clinician guidance. ^{[5] [6] [11] [7]}
• Do not stop or change your hormone therapy without talking to your clinician; adjustments may help reduce side effects safely. ^[3]