Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer usually depends on the hormone testosterone to grow. Hormone therapy blocks or lowers the amount of testosterone in the body. This can lower the risk of prostate cancer coming back when you have it with other treatments. 

There are different ways of having hormone therapy. This includes injections, tablets or surgery to remove your testicles (orchidectomy). 

This section is about hormone therapy for people with prostate cancer that hasn't spread to other parts of the body. We have information about hormone therapy for prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This is metastatic or advanced prostate cancer. 

What is hormone therapy for prostate cancer?

Hormone therapy is a possible treatment for prostate cancer. It is also called anti hormone therapy.

Surgery to remove your testicles (orchidectomy)

Removing the testicles stop your body from making the hormone testosterone. It is a type of hormone therapy for prostate cancer. 

Living with the effects of hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Learn how hormone therapy for prostate cancer can affect the levels of your hormones.

Last reviewed: 
23 Jun 2022
Next review due: 
23 Jun 2025