What Are the Hormone Therapies for Prostate Cancer?
Hormone therapy is used to treat prostate cancer as the introduction of female hormones into a male patient blocks the production of male hormones such as testosterone that are linked to this form of cancer. –> Different Hormone Therapies The different hormone therapies used to treat prostate ancer are luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs, anti-androgens; and estrogen therapy. LHRH Analogs LHRH analog therapy uses a synthesized brain chemical to reduce the production of testosterone.The two most common LHRH analog drugs are leuprolide acetate (Lupron), which is injected into the buttocks either on a monthly basis of three or four times a year; and goserelin acetate (Zoladex), a pellet that is injected under the skin of the stomach on a monthly basis or every three months. Side Effects of LRH Analog Therapy The side effects of LRH Analog therapy are diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, a weight gain of 10 to 15 pounds, mood swings, depression, fatigue,