Feeling Cold on Hormone Therapy (Chills or Persistent Coldness)

What causes it:

Feeling cold while on ADT is described exptensively in Malecare prostate cancer support groups. Many men on hormone therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer experience episodes of feeling unusually cold or chilled. Although hot flashes are widely known, less talked about is that hormone therapy can also cause the opposite effect—sudden, prolonged chills or feeling cold. This happens because lowering testosterone affects the body’s internal thermostat. Hormone therapy disrupts the normal balance of hormones that regulate body temperature, causing your body to misinterpret temperature signals. Instead of feeling overheated, you might feel persistently chilly, even in a warm room. This cold sensation can occur daily, lasting at least an hour, and often follows or alternates with episodes of hot flashes.

How it affects daily life:

Feeling cold regularly can disrupt your comfort and concentration. You might notice chills that cause shivering, making it difficult to feel warm and comfortable. Even indoors, you might feel like you need extra layers of clothing, blankets, or heat sources. Your fingers, toes, and extremities may feel especially cold. It can be distracting, especially if chills last for an extended period each day. You may hesitate to leave the house or engage in outdoor activities for fear of feeling uncomfortably cold. At night, chills might interrupt your sleep or make it challenging to fall asleep, leading to fatigue and frustration during the day. This constant discomfort can also negatively affect your mood or lead to irritability.

Ways to manage or reduce it:

  • Dress in Layers:
    Wearing several thinner layers can trap warmth more effectively than a single heavy garment. You can easily add or remove layers depending on how cold or warm you feel at any moment.

  • Warm Environments:
    Keep your living space comfortably warm, slightly warmer than usual. Small portable heaters or electric blankets can be helpful, especially during episodes when chills are intense.

  • Warm Drinks and Foods:
    Warm beverages like tea, broth, or soup can raise your internal temperature, helping relieve feelings of coldness. Eating warm, hearty meals also helps maintain internal body warmth.

  • Physical Activity:
    Light physical activity, such as gentle stretching, walking, or simple exercises, can temporarily boost your body heat. Regular movement can improve circulation and reduce episodes of chills.

  • Managing Triggers:
    Some men find specific triggers worsen the sensation of cold, like fatigue, stress, or certain medications. Keeping a brief log of when chills occur might help identify patterns. Share these insights with your healthcare provider.

  • Warm Baths and Heat Pads:
    A warm bath or shower can quickly relieve a chill. Heating pads or warm compresses applied to your hands or feet can also ease the discomfort of cold extremities.

  • Diet and Warm Liquids:
    Warm drinks or soups can provide comfort and gentle internal warmth. Spicy foods can increase body heat, but they may not suit everyone, especially if your stomach is sensitive.

  • Medication Adjustment:
    In rare cases, your doctor may reconsider your hormone therapy regimen if chills significantly reduce your quality of life. Occasionally, changing medications or adjusting the dosage can help moderate this symptom, although managing prostate cancer remains the priority.

Feeling cold on hormone therapy is not dangerous, but it can significantly affect your daily comfort. Don’t hesitate to bring this up with your healthcare provider; it’s a known but less discussed side effect. Practical adjustments usually provide sufficient relief, allowing you to feel comfortable enough to manage daily activities.

References:

  1. Jones, J. M., Kohli, M., & Loprinzi, C. L. (2012). Androgen deprivation therapy-associated vasomotor symptoms. Asian Journal of Andrology, 14(2), 193–197.

  2. Gomella, L. G., Singh, J., & Sinclair, E. (2021). Management of androgen deprivation therapy side effects in prostate cancer patients: An updated review. Journal of Clinical Urology, 14(3), 197–203.