Hormone treatment

Hormone treatment

Prostate cancers need the male hormone, testosterone (produced by testes), for their growth. It is possible to slow down or shrink the cancers by reducing the body’s testosterone levels. Hormone treatment can help with symptoms such as pain caused by the cancer spreading. It can also help symptoms such as urinary frequency. It is often given for some months before radiotherapy or surgery to increase the effectiveness of treatment.

The two main ways of reducing testosterone levels are by surgery or by injections.

• Hormone treatment with surgery

Two operations can e done to reduce testosterone levels. The first removes the testes. This operation is known as an orchidectomy or orchiectomy. Inserting a plastic prosthesis into the scrotum to keep its shape and appearance may follow this. A smaller operation involves the removal of the inner part of the testes (a ‘subcapsular orchidectomy’). In this case prosthesis is not needed.

• Hormone injections

Injections of luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) area used to control the production of testosterone. LHRH is given as a monthly or 3 monthly injection. Hormone injections will not cure the cancer but often slow down its growth for some years.

Side effects of hormone treatment

Hormone treatment for prostate cancer can cause loss of libido (sex drive), weight gain, erectile dysfunction (impotence), hot flushes, swelling of breast, fluid retention and progressive hardening of arteries.