When a man undergoes hormonal therapy, the level of male hormones is decreased. This drop in hormone level can affect all prostate cancer cells, even if they have spread to other parts of the body. There are several forms of hormonal therapy.
Orchiectomy
Surgical removal of the testicles to effectively eliminate the main source of male hormones.
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRH) Agonist
LHRH agonist is a drug that prevents the testicles from producing testosterone. In another form of hormone therapy, patients take the female hormone estrogen to stop the testicles from producing testosterone.
Total Androgen Blockade
In this form of treatment, the patient is given a drug that blocks the effect of any remaining male hormones produced by the adrenal gland. This treatment is usually given in conjunction with an orchiectomy or treatment with an LHRH agonist or estrogen.
