Hormone therapy for prostate cancer puts a man at risk for osteoporosis.
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer puts men at risk for fractures.
Androgens are male hormones. Male hormones spur prostate cancer. Some men with prostate cancer undergo androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). ADT lowers the production of male hormones, but it increases the risk for bone loss and fractures according to studies, says the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis is when you lose bone and/or make too little bone.
So what’s a man on ADT to do? For beginners, you may want to have a baseline bone density test before you start ADT. If you have low bone density, your physician may want to prescribe a medication for osteoporosis. Perform weight-bearing exercises like walking or lifting weights, and make sure you get enough calcium and Vitamin D. Also avoid smoking and consuming liquor as these activities increase the risk for bone loss. Talk to physician about the best strategies for you if you are on hormone therapy
