Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Androgen deprivation therapy lowers the effect of male hormones to slow or control prostate cancer.

Androgen deprivation therapy, also called ADT or hormone therapy for prostate cancer, lowers the amount or effect of androgens such as testosterone. These hormones can stimulate prostate cancer cells. ADT may slow cancer growth, shrink the prostate cancer before another treatment, or help control disease that has returned or spread. It is a whole-body treatment rather than an operation on one area. Learn more about the condition in [Prostate Cancer](/conditions/prostate-cancer/).

Treatment usually uses an injection given on a schedule or tablets taken at home. The exact medicine and timing depend on the cancer, other treatments, and your health. Some injections briefly raise hormone activity before lowering it; others suppress it more directly. Your team may check symptoms, examination findings, blood tests, and prostate-specific markers over time. Do not stop or change treatment without discussing it with the oncology team.

Common effects reflect lower androgen activity and can include hot flushes, sweating, reduced sexual desire, erection difficulties, tiredness, mood changes, and loss of muscle strength. Weight and blood sugar can also change. Longer treatment may affect bone strength and cardiovascular health, so your clinician may review exercise, nutrition, bone protection, and existing conditions. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness, or a serious allergic reaction. Report persistent depression, troublesome pain, or falls promptly.

ADT can suppress hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, but its effect differs between people and depends on the cancer stage and treatment plan. It is often combined with radiotherapy, surgery, or another systemic medicine when that offers a stronger treatment strategy. Monitoring helps the team judge whether the cancer remains controlled and whether the balance of benefit and side effects has changed. Treatment goals may be control, reducing recurrence risk, or easing symptoms rather than removing every cancer cell.

ADT is systemic treatment, so its effects are felt throughout the body. It may be temporary or continue while it is helping control the cancer. Ask which medicine you are receiving, how doses are scheduled, and which symptoms should trigger a call.

An oncology team may recommend ADT for prostate cancer that is being treated with radiotherapy, has returned after earlier treatment, or has spread beyond the prostate. The choice depends on scans, pathology, hormone sensitivity, previous treatment, and personal health priorities. A urologist, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist may contribute to the plan.

The pathway commonly includes confirming the treatment goal, reviewing medicines and health conditions, starting the selected hormone blocker, and arranging follow-up. Injection appointments may include checks for reactions and the next dose date. Home tablets need a consistent routine; ask what to do after a missed dose. [GnRH Agonist Drugs](/materials/gnrh-agonist-drugs/) are one medicine group used in ADT.

There is usually no surgical recovery period. Hormone-related effects can begin during treatment and may continue for a while after it ends. Energy, sexual function, mood, and body composition may change gradually. Gentle activity, resistance exercise when suitable, sleep support, and help with hot flushes can make daily life easier. Follow-up appointments remain part of care even when you feel well.

Discuss bone health, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, weight, mood, and sexual wellbeing before and during ADT. Tell the team about heart disease, diabetes, fractures, or medicines that may interact with treatment. New urinary symptoms should be assessed; a [Difficulty Passing Urine](/symptoms/difficulty-passing-urine/) page explains that symptom without assuming its cause.

Depending on the situation, care may involve active monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy, another hormone medicine, chemotherapy, or a combination. Alternatives are not interchangeable: each has different aims, practical demands, and side effects. Your team can explain why ADT is being proposed and what would change if it were delayed or combined with another treatment.

Look for a service with urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, nursing, and supportive-care access. Bring your diagnosis, scan reports, medicine list, and questions about fertility, sexual health, exercise, and bone protection. Confirm who to contact between appointments if a new symptom appears.