The hot sweats have been one of the most difficult side effects for me. They have improved somewhat since I started on the recommendation of my oncologist to try sage tablets. The pain from the injection site was quite intense, thankfully it usually only lasted around 48 hoursand then died down it is always worse the day after the injection. Fatigue has been a tough problem to crack and I'm finding that quite difficult. The best advice when you feel fatigued is instead of lying down try to do the opposite go for a walk or do some exercise this does help. I have lost most of the body hair from my neck down strangely the hair on my head is now thicker than it's been for years. Muscle wastage is something else I've had to deal with as a side effect of hormone injections, I'm currently starting to do some light exercise and Thai chi when my back can stand it.
The emotional side effects can be very powerful. I like to think I'm a very positive person but sometimes I found myself overwhelmed with emotion for no reason. I found that just having a good cry into a towel going for a walk or just finding some kind of distraction. The emotional side has started to improve but it's taken a long while (15 months) I practice mindfulness and write a journal everyday, I also use positive affirmations, this all seems to help me. It's also good to share your feelings with someone don't let them get bottled up. My body image has changed its one thing I've found distressing to come to terms with, muscle loss, penis shrinkage etc. I've just had to learn to accept myself for what has happened to me. For a man this is very difficult so I just focus on the good things I still have in my life such as my wife and daughters and I'm fortunate to keep working and be grateful that the injections have allowed me to live longer than I probably would with out them.
The treatment has impacted my life to a degree but not as much as I perhaps expected it to. I have no interest in sex and would probably not be able to perform if I did. I'm lucky I can still go to work and I can enjoy a reasonably pain free existence. My emotions do go on a roller coaster ride but I've learned to just accept that and just ride it out.
Yes
There have also been positive side effects to being treated I realise now I have a much higher value of life, I have become closer to people I love and I don't let the small things bother me like they once did. I have discovered a joy in walking and enjoying nature so it's not all bad
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