Androgen therapy for prostate cancer

It is also called androgen deprivation therapy or hormone therapy. It may be used on its own or alongside treatments such as radiotherapy, depending on where the cancer is, how it is behaving, previous treatment, and your overall health.

Medicines can reduce the body's production of testosterone or stop testosterone from reaching cancer cells. Some are injections or implants given at intervals, while others are tablets. Surgery to remove the testicles is another, less commonly chosen way to lower testosterone.

Possible effects include hot flushes, lower sexual desire, erection difficulties, tiredness, mood changes, loss of muscle, weight change, breast tenderness, and weaker bones. The pattern differs between people and can depend on the medicine and length of treatment.

Before treatment, tell the cancer team about other medicines, heart or circulation problems, diabetes, bone problems, and concerns about fertility or sexual health. Ask how the drug will be given, when monitoring is planned, and what support is available for side effects.

Regular movement, resistance exercise suited to your ability, balanced meals, and avoiding smoking can support bone, muscle, and heart health. Keep a note of new symptoms and bring it to appointments. Do not stop prescribed hormone treatment without discussing it with the treating team.

Contact the treatment team promptly for side effects that are severe, rapidly worsening, or interfering with eating, drinking, walking, sleep, or daily activities. New difficulty passing urine also needs assessment.

Seek urgent care for chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, one-sided weakness, new confusion, or a painful swollen leg. New severe back pain with leg weakness, numbness around the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control requires emergency assessment.

Ask what the treatment aims to achieve, which medicine is recommended, how long it may continue, and how response will be checked. You can also ask about bone health, exercise, hot-flush management, sexual support, fertility preservation, and whether another prostate cancer treatment is planned alongside it.