Androgen suppression

Androgen Suppression is a medical treatment method primarily used in the management of prostate cancer. It involves the reduction of male hormones, known as androgens, in the body to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Overview

Androgens, such as testosterone, are naturally produced in men by the testicles and adrenal glands. These hormones stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Androgen suppression, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), aims to reduce the levels of male hormones in the body to prevent them from reaching the cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth.

Methods of Androgen Suppression

There are several methods of achieving androgen suppression:

• Surgical castration: This involves the surgical removal of the testicles where most of the body's androgens are produced.

• Medical castration: This involves the use of drugs such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists and antagonists to reduce the production of testosterone.

• Antiandrogens: These are drugs that block the action of androgens in the body.

• Combined androgen blockade: This involves the use of both medical or surgical castration and antiandrogens.

Side Effects

Androgen suppression therapy can have several side effects due to the reduced levels of testosterone in the body. These can include hot flashes, impotence, loss of sexual desire, osteoporosis, anemia, and changes in body mass.

See Also

• Prostate cancer
• Hormone therapy
• Testosterone
• Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone