The most common cancer in men, prostate cancer grows slowly and causes no symptoms until it becomes advanced, according to the Merck Manual. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease but can include hormone therapy, which reduces production of the male hormones, called androgens. Testosterone, the main male hormone, feeds prostate cancer cells, which can't grow rapidly if testosterone levels are reduced. Hormone treatments stop testosterone production in the testicles, block production of androgens in the adrenal gland and prevent androgens from reaching the prostate. Significant side effects from the drugs can occur.
Sexual Side Effects
Sexual side effects are among the most common and most distressing symptoms of hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Side effects of luteinizing hormone-releasing drugs such as leuprolide include difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, decreased libido and a decrease in testicular size. Sexual side effects occur in nearly all men taking these drugs, the University of California, San Francisco advises. Breast enlargement may occur, accompanied by breast or nipple pain, according to Ohio State University.
Musculoskeletal Side Effects
Luteinizing hormone-releasing drugs can cause bone pain, pain in the back, muscle or joints, which may worsen in the first two weeks of therapy, Drugs.com says. Bone density and muscle mass may decrease. Loss of bone mass can lead to osteoporosis, which may not be fully reversible once the drugs are stopped. Zolendronate, a medication that decreases bone loss, is given intravenously every four weeks. It helps maintain bone density and may also help prevent metastasis, or spread, of cancer cells to the bone, the University of California, San Francisco says.
Hot Flashes
Men taking hormone drugs for prostate cancer may experience hot flashes, flushing and sweating, Ohio State University says. Between 56 and 91 percent of people taking leuprolide report hot flashes, Drugs.com states. Hot flashes can interfere with sleep in some cases. Drinking at least 8 glasses of fluid a day and avoiding spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol, along with quitting smoking, may help reduce hot flashes.
Cardiovascular Effects
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer may increase the risk of heart attack and heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reported cardiovascular effects for patients taking leuprolide include EKG changes, reported by 19 percent, and fluid retention, reported by 12 percent, according to Drugs.com.
Intestinal Effects
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can all occur in men taking anti-androgens such as flutamide, which prevent androgens from reaching the cancer cells, the University of Ohio states. Leuprolide and similar drugs may cause stomach pain or constipation.
Anemia
Androgen-blocking medications can cause anemia, a low red blood cell count that can cause fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath. Medications to increase red blood cell counts may be prescribed.
