Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy

What is 'prostate hormone therapy'?

Since we know that prostate cancer grows under the influence of male hormone or testosterone, therapy can be delivered to the body that would counteract that effect. Currently, we use hormone therapy which is an injection that's given monthly and can be given as long as every four months or beyond, in which it counteracts the effect of the testosterone.

Who should get prostate hormone therapy?

Sometimes prostate hormone therapy is used as a single treatment instead of surgery or radiation. This is generally, however, confined to men who have advanced cancer from the beginning. It also is sometimes used as an adjunct to other treatment such as radiation or surgery.

What are the side effects of prostate hormone therapy?

Side effects of hormone therapy include hot flashes, loss of sexual function, brittle bones, and other not as well understood effects, such as loss of muscle mass, loss of energy, and fatigue. The side effects of hormone therapy would generally be present as long as the therapy is being given.