Hormone therapy for prostate cancer
Hormone therapy treats prostate cancer by lowering the level of certain hormones in the body. These hormones are called androgens. Prostate cancer needs androgens to grow. The main androgen is testosterone. Reducing the level of testosterone can slow the growth of prostate cancer and even shrink the tumors.
The testicles make most of the body’s testosterone. Hormone therapy can be done in two ways.
- It is often done with medicines. These medicines stop the testicles from making testosterone or they block it.
- Less often, surgery is done to remove the testicles. (This is called an orchiectomy.)
Both types of hormone therapy can cause serious side effects. These include a greater chance of getting osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes.
Hormone therapy may also be called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or androgen suppression therapy.
What are the types of hormone therapy for prostate cancer?
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can be done with medicines or surgery. Medicines may be given to stop the body from making testosterone or to block the action of testosterone in the body. Surgery to remove the testicles is another way to reduce testosterone levels. But the effects of surgery are permanent.
What are the side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer?
The side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer depend on the type of therapy you have. Common ones include erection problems, reduced sex drive, osteoporosis, weight gain, reduced muscle mass, hot flashes, and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Some side effects go away when treatment ends.
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