How to Reduce ADT Side Effects

Lowering testosterone to zero or near zero (chemical castration) is a treatment for advanced prostate cancer or after prostate cancer recurrence. This form of treatment is commonly called Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) or hormone therapy.  

 

How Testosterone Works 

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles of males (and the ovaries of females.) Testosterone has many bodily functions, including regulating bone density, red blood cell production, and fat distribution. It also has effects on muscle building, mood, and cognitive function. This hormone declines naturally with age or has therapeutic value in men with a certain level of prostate cancer which can lead to a range of symptoms, including decreased muscle mass and strength, cognitive decline, bone loss, and hot flashes (night sweats). 

 

How Androgen Deprivation Therapy works for Prostate Cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), also known as androgen suppression therapy, is a treatment for prostate cancer that aims to reduce the levels of male hormones called androgens in the body. Androgens, such as testosterone, can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. By lowering the number of androgens in the body, ADT can slow down or even shrink prostate cancer tumors. ADT can be achieved through various methods, such as medications that block the production of androgens or surgical removal of the testicles, the primary source of testosterone in the male body. ADT may be used as the primary treatment for prostate cancer or combined with other treatments, such as radiation therapy. 

 

Many of the ADT drugs used in prostate cancer include: 

  • Flutamide (Eulexin)
  • Bicalutamide (Casodex)
  • Nilutamide (Nilandron)
  • Enzalutamide (Xtandi)
  • Apalutamide (Erleada)
  • Relugolix (Orgovix)
  • Degarelix (Firmagon)
  • Leuprolide (Lupron, Eligard)
  • Goserelin (Zoladex)
  • Triptorelin (Trelstar)
  • Histrelin (Vantas)
  • Abiraterone (Zytiga) 
  • Enzalutamide (Xtandi) 
  • Apalutamide (Erleada)  

 

How to Prevent ADT adverse effects

To prevent negative effects from ADT there are several things you must do: 

  • Exercise six hours a week. At least three times a week consider weight resistance exercises. 
  • Stay on a low simple carbohydrate diet. Follow the XY Wellness Diet.
  • Take targeted nutraceutical supplements.

     

    Herbs and nutrients that help with brain and cognitive function from ADT:

    • Bacopa monierri
    • Acetyl-L-Carnitine
    • Lion’s Mane
    • Huperzine A

     

    Herbs and nutrients that help with to keep strong bones from ADT:

    • Black Cohosh
    • Boron
    • Vitamin D
    • Vitamin K2
    • Calcium and Magnesium

     

    Herbs and nutrients that help with fatigue from ADT:

    • Rhodiola
    • Ashwagandha
    • Siberian Ginseng

     

    XY Wellness targeted nutraceutical supplements for men on ADT:

    Regimen 03: ADT convenience packets

    Benefits of Regimen 03: ADT: 

    • Anti-inflammatory – Curcumin, Boswellia, Omega-3 fatty Acid
    • Immune strengthening – Reishi mushroom, Agaricus mushroom, Andrographis, Magnolia bark, zinc, vitamin C, Vitamin D, selenium
    • Antioxidant support – Alpha Lipoic Acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, Green tea extract, Grape seed extract.
    • Cognition and Brain health – Bacopa, Huperzine A, Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Ashwagandha
    • Bone health – boron, black cohosh, vitamin K2
    • Liver support – Milk Thistle, Schizandra, Broccoli seed extract
    • Improve physical energy – Ashwagandha.
    • Night sweats and hot flushes – Black cohosh

    The nutraceutical ingredients in Regimen 03: ADT aim to support bone health, memory, and cognition, lower the frequency of hot flashes, improve physical energy, and provide anti-prostate cancer nutritional support while on ADT. 

     

    Instructions:

    Take one packet in the morning and one in the evening, with or without food, 8 to 12 hours apart. 

     

    Closing Thoughts

    While being on ADT to slow the progression of prostate cancer is a standard treatment for some stages of the disease, you shouldn't have to sacrifice your quality of life too much. Regaining sexual function while under treatment can be challenging, but losing memory, bone, and overall health does not have to be. With the XY Wellness Integrative Roadmap, including targeted nutraceutical supplements, staving off many of the side effects of ADT is possible. Hundreds of our members are doing the work every day. Keep at it. Let me know how we can help.

     

    Much Love!

    Dr. Geo, Co-founder & Medical Director

     

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