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Hormone Treatment for Prostate Cancer & Fatigue

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and androgen suppression therapy.

  1. Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

    • The male hormone, testosterone, is needed for most prostate cancer cells to feed on and grow. By eliminating the source of testosterone, most cancerous cells are deprived and will shrink or die. Not all prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to grow, so a few will still remain and other therapies must be sought to eliminate the cancer totally.

    LHRH Analog Therapy

    • Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LHRH agonists), also called "chemical castrators," are chemicals which stop the production of testosterone in the testes. Effects are reversible once the man ceases to take the medication. There are many side effects, including fatigue, hot flashes, loss of muscle, weight gain, and reduction in good cholesterol. This is usually the first treatment offered to men suffering from prostate cancer.

    Anti-Androgen Therapy

    • Anti-androgen therapy blocks the testosterone receptors in the prostate. This therapy does not stop androgens from being made. There are fewer side effects with this treatment, and the treatment is less likely to reduce libido. Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and tenderness of the breasts.

    Combined Androgen Blockade Therapy

    • By combining both LHRH analogs and anti-androgens, both the testes and adrenal gland production of androgens can be blocked or cut off.

    Fatigue Due to Hormone Therapy

    • Fatigue is an important but under-recognized side effect of hormone therapy. Exercise can help reduce many side effects, including fatigue.

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