Hormone therapy

Many of the men interviewed were having hormone therapy, sometimes in combination with other treatments such as radiotherapy. Most were taking Casodex tablets or Zoladex implants, or a combination of the two. Drugs may be changed during the course of the disease. 

Describes the change in his course of drugs.

Some men described how the Zoladex injections were given. Hormone treatment can dramatically reduced the PSA level. Casodex taken without other hormones has relatively little effect on a man's sex life, but it has to be taken daily, which may be hard to remember. One man reported that he had chosen to take Casodex alone, but he had by mistake been given too low a dose to make it effective. Although some men reported that hormone treatment suited them, others reported serious side effects (see 'Side effects of treatments'). 

Describes his hormone treatment and how Zoladex injections were given.

Highlights how dramatically the hormone treatment reduced his PSA level.

Expresses his inconvenience at taking Casodex tablets everyday.

Reports that he had no problems or pains after taking Zoladex.

Further information on hormone therapy can be found on Macmillan Cancer Support's website.

Last reviewed January 2010.