I have fatigue from prostate cancer therapy. What can help me?

Question

Hello doctor,

As a 67-year-old male diagnosed with stage II prostate cancer, I am struggling with the side effects of hormone therapy. The hot flashes are severe, I am experiencing significant fatigue, and my muscle mass seems to be decreasing. My concerns are:

Are there any ways to manage these side effects better?
How long do I need to continue with hormone therapy?
What is your opinion on switching to alternative treatments like focused ultrasound?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and can understand your concern.

Hormonal therapy often lasts for an extended period, sometimes for many years, depending on hormonal sensitivity and the disease status. I would not recommend switching to alternative treatments, as that could be risky.

Some tips to help prevent or reduce the side effects of hormonal therapy are as follows:

1. Regular physical activity can combat issues like bone loss, muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, and insulin resistance. Cardio exercises like jogging, swimming, and cycling, as well as resistance training (for example, weightlifting or stair climbing), are efficient.

2. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing alcohol consumption can have a positive impact on your health.

3. Consider taking calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.

4. Medications like Medroxyprogesterone or Cyproterone acetate can help manage hot flashes.

5. Bisphosphonates are bone-strengthening agents that can help prevent bone loss caused by hormone therapy.

6. Complementary therapies like acupuncture, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, herbal remedies, and homeopathy may offer relief for hot flashes, though the scientific evidence supporting them is limited.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.