About this topic
Cancer happens when normal cells in the body grow out of control. The prostate is a part of the mans body that helps make semen. The prostate is found at the base of the penis and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer starts in the tissue of your prostate. Prostate cancer is treated in a number of ways. You may need surgery, radiation, or drugs. Hormone therapy is one more way. ‚
Normally, men have androgens. Androgens are a group of male hormones. Androgens help cause a man to have a deep voice, grow hair, and other traits. Testosterone is an androgen. Testosterone is also responsible for the growth of prostate tissue. ‚
General
Testosterone stimulates the prostate cancer cells to grow. The goal is to lower the amount of testosterone. Your doctor may suggest one of these ways. ‚
- Castration ¢ ˆ ’ Either removing the testicles or stopping them from making testosterone. The surgery to take out the testicles is an orchiectomy.
- Chemical castration ¢ ˆ ’ Drugs are used to stop testicles from working.
- Antiandrogen drugs ¢ ˆ ’ Block the body from making more testosterone.
- Combined androgen blockage ¢ ˆ ’ Uses both castration and antiandrogen drugs to stop testosterone production.
- Estrogen ¢ ˆ ’ Uses a female hormone to mask the testosterone that is in the body. Then, your body thinks there is enough testosterone, so your body does not make more. Estrogen is used less often due to side effects.
Advantages of hormone therapy: ‚
- Helps cancer to grow more slowly
- Eases signs like pain and problems passing urine
- Less side effects and less chance of problems than some other treatments
Disadvantages of hormone therapy: ‚
- Is not a cure for prostate cancer
- Only a short-term way to ease signs
- Your cancer cells may stop responding to hormone therapy
- May cause side effects such as:
- Sex problems like erection problems or impotence
- Hot flashes and too much sweating
- Breast pain
- Tumor pain
- Weight gain
- Your bones may become weak
- More risk for heart problems
- Problems calling to mind things and events
- Loose stools
- Upset stomach
- Itching
- Low mood
- Feeling tired
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What will the results be?
Hormone therapy is used to stop the body from making testosterone. When the source of testosterone is lowered, the cancer cells either die or grow more slowly. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You may need treatment for the rest of your life.
- The side effects of hormone therapy might affect how you live. You may be more tired.
- You may have problems with sexual intercourse. You can try other ways to please your partner. After castration, you may have to put off sexual intercourse until your wounds heal.
- Keep a journal to help you track your daily activities and to help with memory problems.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop your body from making testosterone
- Prevent infection if you had surgery
- Help with side effects like upset stomach, throwing up, and low iron
- Help with pain
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while after removal of the testicles. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. If you run, work out, or play sports, you may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine
- Signs of wound infection such as swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up
- No urine is coming out of your penis after castration
- Upset stomach and throwing up are not relieved by the drugs you are given
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostate-cancer-treating-hormone-therapy ‚
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=124 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚