Here is the Johns Hopkins article on HT Side Effects

I know we don't like cut and paste, but since it is a fairly short article, I hope the modes won't mind. I can't seem to make the link work for others.

Here is the news brief that was emailed to me:

Male sex hormones (androgens) -- testosterone in particular -- are required to maintain the size and function of the prostate. As a result, a number of prostate cancer treatments are aimed at interfering with the effects of androgens. Blocking testosterone can temporarily cause the cancer to regress, or at least to grow more slowly.

Now research reported in BJU International (volume 102, page 44) finds that men who undergo androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer lose bone and muscle mass and accumulate more body fat.

Researchers documented these changes in body composition over 36 weeks among 72 men (median age, 73) with prostate cancer who were receiving intermittent ADT. At the start and end of the study, the men with prostate cancer underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning to determine whole-body and regional lean mass, fat mass, and bone mineral content and density. The researchers also measured PSA, testosterone, and hemoglobin levels and evaluated the men's physical activity levels and fatigue at both time points.

Bone mineral density decreased by about 1.5% at the hip, 4% at the spine, 2% for whole body, and 1% in the upper limbs. Lean body mass decreased in the upper limbs by about 6%, in the lower limbs by 4%, the trunk by 1%, and whole body by 2%. During the same period, fat mass at these sites increased by 21%, 19%, 12%, and 14%, respectively. The men also experienced greater levels of fatigue and became less active during the treatment period.

Bottom line: If you're on ADT for your prostate cancer, be aware that over time, these changes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, bone fractures, and falls. Taking steps to reduce your risk of these conditions, including lifestyle changes and medication, is an important component of your care.

Sonny

Sonny, thanks for getting the info out. Did it change your own opinion about HT for yourself as a possibility?

Although I know that it has helped many of our brothers here, and some have very good results with it, I am still of the mindset
that I personally don't want to deal with HT. Now that my PC finally is showing sign of being in remission, I hope it stays that way so that I don't ever have to make the HT choice.

Hope you have great fun at the beach being "slave boy"

david in sc

Zufus,  I looked up some actual drug costs paid by a typical Medicare Part D insurer.  The listed costs are monthly:

Lupron Depot, 11.25 mg. - $1931.51

Casodex 50 mg. - $43.59

Estradiol 1 mg. - $6.35

Should I have a recurrence I'll let you know how difficult it is to get Estradiol.  With my insurance it would cost me $4 for a 90 day supply.

Carlos

Zufus,

If you are willing I may want to talk with you in person about your experiences. I'll know more in a few weeks when I have the PSA test. If the numbers continue to go down the decision will be put off for a while. If not, I have to think about things to insure that I am around to be caregiver to my wife.

This thread and the other I started about this latest study sure has brought some valuable information to the board about HT.

Thank you and the others so much for the input. I am sure it answered a lot of questions for folks that haven't participated or gotten to the HT decision path yet.

Thanks,

Sonny