Prostate Cancer: Osteoporosis After Hormone Therapy

Bone thinning osteoporosis is a side effect of hormone therapy used to treat some prostate cancers.

Some hormonal drugs used to treat prostate cancer increase the risk of osteoporosis. Not all men develop osteoporosis as a result of hormone (also called androgen deprivation) therapy. But bone mineral density screenings may be a good idea after hormonal treatments.

A type of X-ray, bone mineral density screenings are a safe and noninvasive way to diagnose osteoporosis, detect low bone density, monitor the effectiveness of treatments, and predict the risk for future fractures.

What's the Treatment?

Once bone is lost, it cannot be completely replaced. Osteoporosis may not be curable, but some approaches may help to slow osteoporosis. Such approaches include:

• Taking calcium and vitamin D. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1,200 mg to 1,500 mg, and of vitamin D, 400 to 800 IU. Some research shows that a higher (greater than 2,000 mg/day) intake of calcium may increase prostate cancer risk. The recommended dose has not been linked to the progression of the disease.
• Exercising. Regular physical activity, especially weight-bearing exercises such as jogging, dancing and stair-climbing can help prevent bone loss. Resistance exercises, such as weight lifting, have been shown to strengthen bones.
• Not using tobacco
• Limiting alcohol intake

Men should talk to their healthcare providers about other approaches.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Urological Institute.