Skip to content

How Hormone Treatment Can Help Alleviate Prostate Cancer Risks

Cancer is still one of the most dreaded words that one may hear in the context of personal health or the health of a loved one. However, thanks to the advancement of medical science, many cancers are largely treatable depending on their type and stage. Prostate cancer is no exception. Did you know that the human body itself offers the material that is required to combat this disease? The name of this ‘natural cure’ is hormones. These occur naturally within the body and control cell growth and activity. Prostate cancer relies on androgens (mainly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) to spread, so decreasing the amount of androgens present within the body presents a chance of minimizing the risks associated with this cancer type. Moreover, proper hormone treatment can shrink a developed prostate tumor or even hinder its growth. Read on to learn more about how this option works.

Stages of Hormone Therapy to Treat Prostate Cancer

When and how hormone therapy is applied to a patient depends mostly on the stage of the prostate cancer. Patients in the very early stages might be cured using surgery or radiotherapy, and there is a low chance of remission. However, if the cancer has grown through the covering of the prostate capsule or a very high level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) has been detected, hormone therapy is prescribed by doctors. Depending on the severity of the condition, hormone therapy may be continued anywhere between three months and three years.

Types of Hormone Therapy

The testicles produce most of the androgens,and if prostate cancer spreads to the bone and presses against the spinal cord, doctors may prescribe a reduction in hormone levels through surgery. However, medical treatment is also available and different sorts of drugs (mentioned below) can lower testosterone levels:

• Anti-androgens
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) blockers
• Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) blockers
• Abiraterone (Zytiga)

Application of the Hormone Treatment

Hormone therapy might be prescribed to patients in a variety of ways. Doctors may use the luteinizing hormone blockers on their own or together with an anti-androgen. Gonadotrophin also releases hormone blockers on its own. Most doctors commonly employ either an anti-androgen or a luteinizing blocker.

Hormone therapy is a highly effective form of treatment. However, it might need additional treatment options to cure prostate cancer. If you wish to know more, contact Florida Wellness Medical Group today.