What to expect from androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy lowers the effect or production of male hormones, especially testosterone, that can encourage prostate cancer cells to grow. It may be given as injections, tablets, or a combination, depending on your plan. Treatment may be used alone or alongside other prostate cancer care.

You may notice hot flushes, sweating, reduced sexual desire, erection changes, tiredness, sleep disturbance, mood changes, or reduced muscle strength. The team may monitor your symptoms, weight, blood pressure, blood tests, bone health, and prostate-specific antigen. Some effects build gradually and may improve after treatment changes, while others need active support.

Keep a record of injection dates, tablets, symptoms, and questions. Regular movement that suits your fitness, resistance exercise when approved, nourishing meals, and attention to calcium and vitamin D advice can support muscle and bone health. Tell the team about diabetes, heart disease, depression, urinary symptoms, or medicines and supplements before treatment begins.

Plan practical help for days when fatigue or hot flushes are disruptive. Do not stop hormone therapy or delay an injection without speaking with the prescribing team; they can discuss symptom relief, timing, or another formulation.

Contact your oncology team promptly for severe or worsening weakness, a new fall, persistent low mood, troubling confusion, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fainting, or a painful new swelling. Seek urgent medical help for sudden chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, or one-sided weakness. Report fever or signs of infection according to the instructions from your treatment centre.

Ask which medicine you will receive, how it is administered, how long the planned course may last, and which blood tests or scans are needed. Ask how sexual symptoms, hot flushes, mood changes, exercise, bone protection, and fertility concerns will be managed.