Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Testosterone suppression controls the growth of prostate cancer. Testosterone is the primary and most potent androgenic hormone. Androgens come from two sources - the testicles, which produce 90-95% of male hormones, and the adrenal glands that produce 5-10% of male sex hormones. Male hormones are responsible for characteristics such as facial hair, the masculine voice, and muscle and bone mass.

Hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer

Reduction of testosterone is a treatment choice when prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body. Depleting hormone production reduces symptoms and growth of the disease, but it does not cure it. This treatment is effective for two to three years.

Achieving androgen deprivation

  • Chemical castration/medical suppression of the production of testosterone via quarterly injections of synthetic LH-RH agonists and antagonists
  • Surgical removal of the testes
  • Complete androgen blockade (CAB) - a combination of the surgical and chemical castration treatment methods

Concerns that are normal:

  • Anemia
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Hot flashes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Osteoporosis
  • Swollen, tender breasts