User:Lop.cou/Androgen suppression

What is androgen suppression?
Androgen suppression is a form of hormone therapy that reduces the levels of the male hormone, androgen. The main androgens in the human body, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Most androgen in the body is produced by the testicles, adrenal glands, or prostate cancer cells themselves.

Benefits
Hormone therapy typically works well to stop the initial growth of prostate cancer, but it may come back in just a few short years. While this hormone therapy will not cure prostate cancer on its own, it often reduces the size and rate the prostate cancer cells reproduce at.

Side Effects
The side effects of androgen suppression often effect the individuals quality of life. Most side effects worsen overtime but may subside when the medication is stopped. These side effects include; osteoporosis, increased BMI, reduced muscle mass, anemia, increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, hot flashes, erection problems and reduced sex drive, breast enlargement, and cognitive impairment, and depression.