The Risk of Testosterone Supplements for Prostate Cancer Sufferers

Cancer of the prostate is not caused by testosterone, but the male sex hormone does increase the speed with which cancer cells can reproduce and grow into a tumour. For this reason men who are taking testosterone supplements should have prostate cancer screening on a regular basis.

Dr. Jerome Groopman suggests that most men over sixty begin to develop small clusters of cancerous cells in their prostate, which are harmless and do not develop into full blown cancer unless they are exposed to excessive testosterone. Dr. Groopman says;

“Testosterone is like fuel on fire for prostate cancer. If you give someone with early prostate cancer testosterone, it explodes”.

Cancer of the prostate is accelerated by testosterone, in the same way as the onset of breast cancer can be speeded up by oestrogen supplementation in women. There are also other risks associated with testosterone supplements including thickening of the blood which can lead to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots.

Treating Cancer of the Prostate with Testosterone Reduction

Hormone therapy is commonly used to treat cancer of the prostate by reducing testosterone, which is an androgen hormone. Initially most cancers will be treated by reducing androgen levels, but when cancer of the prostate develops significantly, chemicals may be injected to stop testosterone production altogether.

Although hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for prostate cancer, testosterone is essential in the male body, and preventing its production can cause many side effects. The consequences of hormone therapy can include:

• Loss of muscle density
• Weight gain
• Development of breasts
• Excessive fatigue

• Loss of sex drive

These side effects can be reversed once you are rid of the cancer and prostate testosterone can be produced once more.

Testosterone Supplements are useful despite Prostate Cancer Risk

Testosterone is necessary to keep the prostate healthy, even though it can speed up the growth of cancer. Prostate testosterone is converted into Dihydotestosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase before it is used to aid prostate growth.

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Many men are prescribed testosterone supplements, despite an increased risk of prostate cancer, to reduce the symptoms of testosterone deficiency. Testosterone is crucial for bone strength, red blood cell production and muscle strength, as well as sexual function.

Testosterone deficiency can result in the following conditions:

High risk of bone fractures

• Loss of muscle strength
• Anaemia due to a lack of red blood cells
• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction

Annual screening is essential for cancer of the prostate when testosterone supplements are taken to prevent the above conditions. A prostate cancer test should always be given before testosterone supplements are prescribed.

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