Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Hormone therapy may slow down or stop the growth of prostate cancer and is often applied in men in whom the disease is in an advanced stage. A cocktail of chemical hormones can result in medical castration because the supply of male hormones is stopped:

• Female hormones (oestrogen) block the release and activity of testosterone.
• Anti-androgens block the activity of all androgens in the blood circulation.
• Yet another type of hormone, which is periodically administered as an injection, blocks the brain from sending signals to the testicles that they must produce androgens.

Hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy) can be delivered in combination with other treatments or on its own as a primary treatment.

Hormone therapy may have multiple side effects, one of which is impotence. Discuss the potential advantages and side effects of hormone therapy with your attending physician.

Latest publication date: 13/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Ameye Filip