Hormone treatments can be given in many ways, such as by injection or as pills. Drugs can stop the testicles from producing testosterone and protect cells from any other androgens that remain in the body. Hormone treatment may include:
Hormone treatment may also include surgical removal of the testicles (called orchiectomy), where testosterone is produced. This prevents male hormones from further stimulating the growth of the prostate cancer.
The use of various drugs such as anti-androgens that block the activity of male hormones in the body
The use of drugs that lower testosterone levels, including luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogs or agonists (newer agents may also block the production of androgens by the adrenal glands)
The use of combined hormone therapy that decreases testosterone production from the testicles, as well as from glands located on the kidneys, called adrenal glands