Hormone therapy, sometimes called hormone treatment for prostate cancer or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is an important treatment for prostate cancer. It works by reducing the amount of testosterone in the body or blocking its effects on prostate cancer cells. Testosterone can help prostate cancer cells grow.
How and when hormone therapy is used depends on the stage and characteristics of the cancer and on the other treatments that may be suitable for you.
Read NHS guidance about hormone treatment and other treatments for prostate cancer.
When is hormone therapy used?
Hormone therapy can be used at different stages of prostate cancer.
With radiotherapy
For some localised or locally advanced prostate cancers, hormone therapy is given before, during or after radiotherapy. Reducing testosterone can make radiotherapy more effective. The length of treatment depends on the risk group and your individual circumstances.
Advanced prostate cancer
If prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, hormone therapy is commonly an important part of treatment. It can shrink the cancer, slow its growth and help control symptoms. Other medicines may be given alongside hormone therapy depending on your cancer and current treatment guidance.
Hormone therapy on its own does not usually cure prostate cancer, but it can control the disease for long periods in some people.
How is hormone therapy given?
There are different types of hormone treatment. Some medicines reduce or stop the testicles producing testosterone and are usually given as injections or implants. Other medicines block testosterone from acting on prostate cancer cells and are usually taken as tablets.
Your specialist team will explain which type or combination is most appropriate for you and how long you may need treatment.
Read Prostate Cancer UK information about hormone therapy.
Possible side effects
Reducing testosterone affects other parts of the body as well as prostate cancer cells. Side effects vary according to the treatment and the individual, but can include:
- hot flushes
- reduced sex drive and erectile problems
- tiredness
- loss of muscle strength and an increase in body fat
- mood changes
- breast swelling or tenderness with some treatments
- thinning of the bones during longer-term treatment
- changes that can affect cardiovascular or metabolic health
Your healthcare team can advise you about ways to reduce or manage side effects. Exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and looking after bone and cardiovascular health can be particularly important during longer-term hormone therapy.
Acupuncture for hot flushes
Some members of Leeds Prostate Cancer Support Group have found acupuncture helpful for managing hot flushes during hormone therapy. Our Complementary Therapies page has more information about acupuncture, including a Leeds centre used by some LPCSG members. Acupuncture is sometimes used as a complementary approach for this symptom, although the scientific evidence is limited and it may not help everyone. If you are considering acupuncture, discuss it with your healthcare team and use a suitably qualified practitioner.
What if hormone therapy stops controlling the cancer?
Over time, some prostate cancers begin to grow despite testosterone being kept at a very low level. This is known as castration-resistant prostate cancer. It does not mean that there are no further treatment options.
Depending on your circumstances, your specialist team may discuss additional hormone medicines, chemotherapy, targeted treatments, radiotherapy or other treatments. Hormone therapy is often continued while these additional treatments are used.
Monitoring during hormone therapy
You will usually have regular appointments and PSA blood tests to see how the cancer is responding. Your team may also monitor your general health and the possible longer-term effects of treatment.
Read NICE recommendations for people having hormone therapy.
Questions to ask your specialist
- Why are you recommending hormone therapy for me?
- Which type of hormone therapy will I have?
- How long am I likely to need it?
- What side effects should I expect?
- What can I do to protect my bones, muscles and general health?
- How will you know whether the treatment is working?
This information provides a general introduction to hormone therapy for prostate cancer and does not replace advice from your oncologist, urologist or specialist cancer team.