The most common side effect associated with LH-RH analog treatment is hot flashes. LH-RH analogs can also cause impotence. This drug blocks the small additional amount of testosterone that is produced by the adrenal glands. Side effects of this combination of therapy include hot flashes, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and impotence. Testosterone production can also be reduced by taking the female hormone estrogen, which works by counteracting the male hormone testosterone.
Side effects can include water retention, breast growth and tenderness, and nausea and vomiting.
This therapy may also cause serious circulatory system problems such as blood clots and heart attacks. The surgical option for reducing testosterone is an orchiectomy, or the removal of the testicles. It can be done as an outpatient procedure, but it may require hospitalization and general anesthesia. Side effects include impotence and hot flashes. Advanced prostate cancer symptoms may also be treated with chemotherapy, the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancerous cells.