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Androgen Deprivation Therapy in Atlanta

Atlanta Prostate Center's urologists use Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) to reduce hormone levels that fuel prostate cancer growth, used alone or as part of a treatment plan.

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What Is Androgen Deprivation Therapy?

Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) is a hormone therapy for prostate cancer that works by reducing the levels of androgens, primarily testosterone, in the body. Prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to grow and spread. By lowering androgen levels, ADT slows or stops cancer growth and can shrink tumors that have already developed.

ADT is used in several different ways depending on your diagnosis, including as a standalone treatment, in combination with radiation therapy, or alongside other treatments for intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer.

At Atlanta Prostate Center, our staff develops individualized ADT treatment plans based on your PSA levels, cancer stage, Gleason score, and overall health. Whether used alone or as part of a broader prostate cancer treatment plan, ADT is a proven, well-established option for managing prostate cancer at multiple stages of the disease.

How Does Androgen Deprivation Therapy Work?

ADT works by cutting off the supply of testosterone that prostate cancer cells need to grow. Here is what you can expect throughout the ADT treatment process.

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Consultation and Evaluation

Our staff will review your PSA levels, Gleason score, cancer stage, and overall health to determine whether ADT is appropriate for your diagnosis and how it will be used, whether as a standalone treatment or alongside radiation or other therapies.

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Treatment Planning

Your physician will determine the most appropriate form of ADT for your specific case, including the type of medication, method of delivery, and duration of treatment. Some patients receive ADT short-term in combination with other treatments, while others require long-term hormone therapy.

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Starting ADT

ADT is administered either through hormone injections given at regular intervals ranging from monthly to every six months or through daily oral medications. Both approaches work to lower testosterone levels and slow prostate cancer growth.

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Monitoring Your Response

Once ADT treatment begins, your care team will monitor your PSA levels at regular follow-up appointments. Declining PSA levels are a key indicator that the therapy is working. Your testosterone levels will also be checked periodically throughout treatment.

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Ongoing Treatment and Adjustments

The duration of ADT varies depending on your diagnosis and how it is being used. Your physician will reassess your treatment plan over time and make adjustments based on your PSA levels, response to therapy, and any side effects you experience.

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Completing or Transitioning Treatment

For some men, ADT is used for a defined period before transitioning to another treatment. For others, long-term ADT is part of an ongoing prostate cancer management plan. Your care team will guide you through every stage of the process.

Who Is a Candidate for Androgen Deprivation Therapy?

ADT for prostate cancer is used across multiple stages of the disease, making it one of the most widely applicable treatments available. Your physician will determine whether ADT is appropriate based on your PSA levels, cancer stage, Gleason score, and overall health. ADT treatment for prostate cancer may be recommended for men who:

Have locally advanced prostate cancer that has grown beyond the prostate gland

Have metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs

Are receiving radiation therapy for intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer and need ADT to improve treatment effectiveness

Have experienced a rise in PSA levels following surgery or radiation, indicating a recurrence

Are not yet candidates for surgery or radiation and need a treatment to slow cancer growth

Prefer a non-surgical approach to managing prostate cancer as part of a long-term treatment plan

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What Are the Side Effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy?

Because ADT works by significantly reducing testosterone levels, it can affect several areas of the body beyond the prostate. Understanding the potential side effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer helps you know what to expect and how to manage them throughout treatment.

One of the most common side effects of ADT is hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of warmth, flushing, and sweating. They vary in frequency and intensity from patient to patient and can often be managed with medication.

Because testosterone plays a central role in sexual function, ADT commonly reduces libido and can cause erectile dysfunction. These effects are often reversible once treatment is completed, particularly for men on short-term ADT.

Many men experience increased tiredness during ADT treatment for prostate cancer. Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet can help manage fatigue throughout therapy.

Long-term ADT can reduce bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Your care team will monitor your bone health and may recommend supplements or medications to reduce this risk.

Lower testosterone levels can lead to changes in body composition, including increased body fat and reduced muscle mass. Regular exercise is strongly encouraged during ADT to help offset these effects.

Some men experience mood fluctuations, depression, or difficulty concentrating during hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Discussing these changes with your care team early allows for timely support and management.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADT

What Is Androgen Deprivation Therapy Used For?

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is used to treat prostate cancer by lowering testosterone levels in the body. Since prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to grow and spread, reducing it can slow or shrink the cancer. ADT is commonly used for advanced or recurrent prostate cancer and is often combined with radiation therapy to improve outcomes.

How Long Does Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) Work?

ADT can keep prostate cancer under control for several years, but results vary by individual and cancer risk level. Most benefits occur within the first 9 to 12 months, with treatment duration typically ranging from 6 months to several years, depending on risk. Regular PSA testing helps determine how well it continues to work for you.

What Are the Side Effects of ADT?
ADT can cause a range of side effects due to reduced testosterone levels. The most common include hot flashes, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction. Men may also experience fatigue, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, and mood changes such as depression or anxiety. Long-term use can lead to bone density loss (increasing fracture risk), increased risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. Less commonly, some men notice breast tissue growth (gynecomastia) and cognitive changes.
How Long Can a Man Stay on Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
There is no fixed time limit. How long a man stays on hormone therapy depends on his individual situation. Some men with advanced prostate cancer may remain on it continuously for many years, while others use it for a short term (6 to 18 months) alongside radiation therapy. In some cases, doctors recommend intermittent therapy, where treatment is paused and restarted as needed to reduce side effects. Ultimately, the duration is guided by how well the cancer is responding, PSA levels, overall health, and quality of life. Your doctor will regularly monitor your progress to determine the best course of action.