What are the possible side-effects and risks?
As with all treatments, ADT carries possible side-effects and risks. The following is a list of what these might be. Don’t be alarmed: talk to your doctor and health care team to find out how your treatment might affect you and what you can do to manage any side-effects.
- Possible side-effects include:
- Hot flashes
- Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction (not being able to have an erection)
- Loss of energy, general weakness
- Breast enlargement and tenderness
- Irritability, emotional disturbance including depression
- Headache
- Itching, dry skin, rash
- Gastrointestinal issues: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain (mainly due to increased body fat)
- Shrinkage of testicles
- ‘Metabolic syndrome’ (increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol)
- Long-term use (over a year) may lead to:
- Osteoporosis
- Lower blood counts or anemia
This list may appear daunting. However, remember that there are a number of things that you and your doctor can do to reduce the side effects of ADT.
The following approaches can be used to address side effects:
- You may be prescribed drugs to slow or reverse the loss of bone mass and you should discuss with your doctor whether or not you should have a bone density study
- Exercise can help to reduce some of the side effects, including bone loss, muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue and insulin resistance
- Loss of libido can be more challenging to address, but please take a look at our webinar “What’s love got to do with it? Sexuality and the Man with Prostate Cancer” by Dr. Anne Katz.