Health Conditions

Hormonal therapy has two general purposes: to treat cancer that has spread and to prevent cancer from returning after surgery or radiation treatment. Because higher levels of testosterone can contribute to the growth of prostate cancer cells, hormonal therapy is used to decrease or eliminate testosterone production.

The types of hormonal treatment that are available include the following:

• Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs (GnRHa), such as leuprolide and goserelin, work by decreasing the amount of testosterone that is produced. Side effects from these drugs include hot flashes, stomach upset, breast tenderness, impotence, and loss of sexual desire.

• Antiandrogens such as flutamide, bicalutamide, and nilutamide are used to block the action of hormones known as androgens (also known as steroid hormones). For example, testosterone stimulates the development of male characteristics such as muscle development and deepening of the voice. Antiandrogens decrease the prostate size resulting in improvement in symptoms such as urinary frequency, pain when urinating, and stiffness or pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breast growth or tenderness, stomach upset, and hot flashes.

You can learn more about these drugs by clicking on the Drug Class links on the previous page.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.