The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the level of male hormones in the body, particularly testosterone. Hormone therapy does not cure the cancer, and is often used to treat persons whose cancer has spread or recurred after treatment. Produced mainly in the testicles, testosterone causes prostate cancer cells to grow. Thus, reduced testosterone levels can make the prostate cancer shrink and become less active.
Most studies show that hormone therapy works better if it is started early.
Other hormonal drugs may be used for periods of time during treatment. The duration of hormone therapy varies, but usually lasts a period of a few months, depending on the case. Consult your physician for additional information regarding hormone therapy treatment. Click here to view the Online Resources page of this web. Contact Information Copyright 2001 Methodist Health Care System, Houston, Tx.