Words cannot express the feelings we feel when the doctor says it's cancer. But at the same time, when the doctor says that we need to start 'hormone therapy', you may have also heard the words 'chemical castration'. It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you hear this name. But what is this really? What does this mean? Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
What is this hormone treatment, or chemical castration?
Simply put, this means using certain medications to control the production of sex hormones in our body.
Think of our body as a big company. Hormones are like the messengers running around inside this company. They are the ones who tell each organ what to do and how to work (for example, energy management, growth, mood). Sex hormones are some of these special messengers. They are the ones who control things like puberty and the functioning of the reproductive system.
But some cancer cells, especially prostate cancer and some types of breast cancer , use these sex hormones to their advantage. In other words, these cancer cells get the 'food' (energy) they need to grow and spread from these hormones.
So, what is done in 'Chemical Castration' or hormone therapy is to stop the hormones that these cancer cells receive from 'feeding' them, thereby controlling their growth. It's like starving the cancer and weakening it.
This is known by several names, such as 'Medical Castration', 'Hormone Therapy', and 'Androgen Deprivation Therapy'. All of these mean the same thing, which is to reduce hormone levels through medication.
What types of cancer is this treatment used for?
Doctors use this treatment method mainly for cancers that are dependent on sex hormones.
For prostate cancer
The main group of sex hormones produced in the male body are called androgens . The most important of these is testosterone . This hormone is essential for the growth of prostate cancer cells. So, hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels and controls the growth of the cancer.
For breast cancer
There are also types of breast cancer that depend on the hormones estrogen and progesterone produced in women's bodies. Women with these types of cancers can be controlled by giving drugs that block the action of these hormones.
What do you do before starting treatment?
Before deciding if this treatment is right for you, your doctor will need to know the exact type and stage of your cancer. This will require several tests.
- CT scan
- PET scan
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy - taking a piece of tissue for examination
- Blood tests
Your doctor will also discuss other options with you. For example, if you need to permanently reduce your testosterone levels for prostate cancer, you may be considering surgical removal of one or both testicles (orchiectomy) . You should discuss these with your doctor to decide what is best for you.
How is the treatment given and what are the side effects?
This is not a one-time treatment. This is an ongoing treatment. The method of administering the medication varies from type to type.
- Injections once a month, every three months, or every six months.
- As small devices (implants) placed under the skin .
- To be taken daily as pills .
During this treatment, some side effects may occur. This is because we are changing the body's natural hormone levels. Not everyone will experience all of these, but the table below shows some of the most common ones.
| Side Effect | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Low libido | Decreased desire and thoughts for sexual activities. |
| Hot flashes | Sudden feeling of extreme heat in the face, neck, and chest, followed by sweating. |
| Osteoporosis | Over time, bones become thinner and more easily broken. |
| Decreased muscle mass | Decreased strength and size of the body's muscles. |
| Depression and mood swings | Feelings of anxiety, sadness, and loss of interest in anything. |
| Other | Risk of heart disease, anemia, changes in body fat deposition. |
Don't be afraid of these symptoms. There are ways to manage them. The most important thing is to talk openly with your doctor about any discomfort you feel.
What is the biggest advantage of this treatment?
The main and most important advantage of this treatment is that it is reversible.
This means that after you stop treatment, your body will start producing hormones normally again. Most of the side effects will gradually go away. Your sex drive will return to its previous level.
This is the biggest difference from surgical castration . When the testicles or ovaries are removed during surgery, it is permanent. But this drug treatment is temporary.
Also, this is a very effective way to control cancer cells.
Is this a vasectomy?
No. Absolutely not. A vasectomy is a birth control procedure for men. It only stops ejaculation. A vasectomy has no effect on your hormone levels, sexual desire, or performance. Chemical Castration is a completely different treatment for cancer.
When do you need to see the doctor?
During treatment, if you develop any new symptoms, if an existing symptom gets worse, or if you have any concerns, tell your doctor right away. Don't keep anything to yourself. Counseling during treatment can also be a great help to stay mentally strong.
Take-Home Message
- Don't be afraid of the name 'Chemical Castration'. It refers to a treatment method that uses drugs to control hormone levels and control the growth of hormone-dependent cancer cells.
- The biggest advantage of this treatment is that it is non-permanent and reversible. The body returns to normal after treatment is stopped.
- During treatment, you may experience side effects such as decreased sexual desire and a feeling of warmth in the body. Talk to your doctor about these openly.
- This is not a vasectomy, nor is it a permanent surgical removal.
- It's important to talk to your doctor about any discomfort you're feeling. Remember that you're not alone in this journey.
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