Androgens or male sex hormones may stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. The testosterone is type ofthe androgens, which is mainly produced in the testes, and some of the adrenal gland. Today, hormone therapy for prostate cancer involves the process by either inhibiting testosterone from being used by the body, or the decreasings body's productions of the testosterones. However, hormone therapy - as it is called - will be able to block testosterone from entering the cancer cells of the prostate.
By blocking the body's use of testosterone would be a drug that prevents cancer cells from testosterone. Anti-androgens such as bicalutamide, flutamide and nilutamide are used. These drugs are in tablet form and is usually taken one to three times a day - depending on the brand.
Decreasing levels of testosterone in the body requires the individual to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists, which poses a chemical block, which prevents the testicles and receive signals to produce more testosterone. Drugs usually goserelin and leuprolide injected once every three months your body.
The downside, however, the hormonal therapy for prostate cancer is that there are side effects must be addressed. These reduced sex drive, the impotences, the weight gains, breast growth and reduces bone mass of a few. These drugs are the hormonal treatment of prostate cancer can cause fatigue, the nauseas, the diarrheas and the liver damages.
The most extreme approach to hormonal therapy for prostate cancer has been removed from his testicles, or the so-called castration. This is usually done, and can be effective in more advanced stages of prostate cancer. Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can involve both approaches - to prevent the use of testosterone in the body, and prevents the body from producing testosterone. And, as some doctors also use radiation therapy, or occasionally, surgery - such as hormone therapy tends to reduce the large tumors, and thus the convenience of having these out.
However, it should take adequate thought before entering the hormonal treatment of prostate cancer. Ask your doctor and consider taking a second opinion from another expert. Take time to read about this procedure and to weigh things well. Remember that it is also shown that hormone therapy for prostate cancer would not kill any cancer cells. Over the years, the cancer is back, as it is able to thrive without testosterone. It is best to talk to your doctor about hormone therapy for prostate cancer will visit you. Ask him how he can work for you and how it can turn against you in the future. Ultimately, remember that your doctor recommends and go with what is best for your situation.