Some cancers are said to be hormone-sensitive, that is, they are stimulated by hormones. In the case of prostate cancer, the hormones responsible are male hormones, also called androgens, and more specifically testosterone. Hormone therapy is used to prevent your body from secreting or using testosterone, among other things, thus stopping the growth and spread of cancer. In other words, it can shrink tumors, “sleep” cancer cells and control the progression of cancer. But this drop in testosterone is not without side effects, hence the question: Will the effects of hormone therapy disappear?
Medically reviewed by Marie-Lyssa Lafontaine, medical student, urology axis, University of Montreal, on 11/28/2022
Intensity and duration vary from man to man
Hormone therapy has revolutionized the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers. But the treatment, which can last several years, often leads to adverse effects requiring appropriate care and support.
- Side effects can happen anytime during your hormonal therapy. Some occur during treatment, others right after or a few days and even weeks later.
- The intensity and duration vary from man to man. They usually subside as the body gets used to the medication. Remember that you will not experience all side effects. Some may disappear over time or still be treated.
Post-treatment side effects usually last as long as the length of your hormone treatment
If you stop your hormone therapy, your testosterone levels will gradually rise and some side effects will decrease. Your side effects won’t stop as soon as you finish hormone therapy – it can take several months.
On the other hand, some effects may last a long time or be permanent depending on how long you take it, as testosterone levels may never return to normal levels.
They mainly depend on the following elements:
- Your type of hormone therapy (surgery or medication)
- The type of medication used and the duration of treatment (long-term? lifelong?)
- Your general state of health
Do not lose sight
These side effects, although transient, can be difficult to manage, and some patients are tempted to stop treatment. However, it is important to keep in mind the major therapeutic impact of hormone therapy. In addition, there are most often ways to relieve these ailments and help the patient overcome them.
Do not hesitate to discuss all your side effects with your doctor during your follow-up visits.
Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease with our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you.
Do you have any questions or concerns? Above all, do not hesitate. Contact us at 1 855 899-2873 to discuss with a nurse specializing in uro-oncology. It’s simple and free, like all our services.
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