Friday, September 6, 2013

Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy Side Effects

Treatments for prostate cancer include radical prostatectomy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation (both external beam and brachytherapy), HIFU, and Cryotherapy.

The treatments for prostate cancer are all associated with varying degrees of side effects. When evaluating treatments to decide which one(s) may be most effective and also suitable for your preferences and lifestyle, one factor that drives that decision is the side effects associated with each treatment approach.

Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy consists primarily of antiandrogens and luteinizing hormone, anabolic steroids therapy, releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists, and in some cases, surgical removal of the testicles (orchiectomy). Estrogen therapy is rarely used.

    Breast pain and enlargement: Antiandrogens, estrogen, and orchiectomy may result in sensitive and/or painful nipples and/or an increase in breast tissue.
    Cardiovascular events: Continuous estrogen therapy is associated with blood clots, stroke, and other cardiovascular risks.
    Cholesterol changes: Antiandrogens can lower “good” cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein—HDL) when combined with LH-RH treatment. LH-RH treatment alone can significantly increase triglycerides.
    Diarrhea and/or constipation: Antiandrogens can cause these side effects.
    Erectile dysfunction/loss of libido: Antiandrogens, LH-RH agonists, and orchiectomy are associated with erectile dysfunction, while LH-RH agonists can also reduce libido.
    Fatigue: Antiandrogens, LH-RH agonists, and estrogen can all cause fatigue.
    Hair and skin changes: Antiandrogens and LH-RH agonists are associated with hair growth on the head, hair loss on the rest of the body, and dry skin.
    Hot flashes: Antiandrogens, LH-RH agonists, and orchiectomy are associated with hot flashes.
    Osteoporosis: Antiandrogens, LH-RH agonists, and orchiectomy contribute to bone loss. Other factors include a man’s bone health before therapy, the length of hormone therapy, and fracture history.
    Penis/scrotum shrinkage: Any reduction in testosterone can reduce the size of the penis and scrotum.
    Weight and/or belly fat gain: Antiandrogens and LH-RH agonists can contribute to these side effects.

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