Hormone treatment for prostate cancer aims to reduce the amount of male hormones in one’s body in order to stop the cancer from inflicting further damage on the gland. Although male hormones, like dihydrotestoterone and testosterone, are not the causes of prostate cancer, some studies show that reducing levels of these hormones may effectively reduce […]

Hormone treatment for prostate cancer aims to reduce the amount of male hormones in one’s body in order to stop the cancer from inflicting further damage on the gland. Although male hormones, like dihydrotestoterone and testosterone, are not the causes of prostate cancer, some studies show that reducing levels of these hormones may effectively reduce or stop prostate cancer symptoms.

There are different types of treatments for prostate cancer that range from outright surgery to something as simple as medication.

A form of prostate cancer treatment is LHRH Analog or Leutenizing hormone-releasing Hormone Analog. This treatment is preferred by most because it lowers testosterone levels without the need to remove the hormone producing gland.

The prostate cancer treatment LHRH Analogs are placed under the skin monthly. With this treatment, testosterone levels can increase, causing the prostate to enlarge further. This can be counteracted by the use of anti-androgen drugs

Some side effects include anemia; bone loss; muscle loss; weight gain; reduced or absent libido and in some extreme cases, impotence; depression; and tiredness.

Common drugs included under LHRH Analogs are Eligard, Lupron, Viadur, and Zoladex.

Unfortunately LHRH Analogs are expensive and require regular visits to the doctor.

Another form of hormone treatment for prostate cancer is the use of Anti-Androgens. This is mostly used together with LHRH to combat the sudden increase in testosterone levels at the start of the treatment. Anti-Androgens are used to inhibit one’s body from reacting to androgens (the adrenal glands also produce androgens, but only at lower amounts). Although this is usually associated with other treatments, doctors are testing the use of anti-androgens as a solitary prostate cancer treatment. Some side effects may include dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue and in extreme cases, liver problems.

Another prostate cancer treatment is Orchiectomy, otherwise known as surgical castration. Although invasive, this treatment is still considered hormone treatment for prostate cancer. It prevents the production of the hormones that stimulate cancer growth by amputating the testicles. This is considered an out-patient procedure and if desired the testicles can be replaced by artificial sacs that for all intents and purposes look and feel like real testicles. In most cases, this prostate cancer treatment effectively reduces the growth and, in some cases, shrinks the prostate cancer all together.

Some side effects of this form of hormone therapy for prostate cancer includes depression; hot flashes; loss of muscle mass; anemia; fatigue; and reduced or absent libido; weight gain; and impotence.

Before undergoing any form of hormone treatment for prostate cancer, please contact your physician. Only your physician can decide who will be helped the most by hormone therapy for prostate cancer.

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