Bone thinning, or osteoporosis, is a side effect of hormone therapy used to treat some prostate cancers.
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 during 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.
How Do I Prevent Osteoporosis If I'm Taking Hormones for Prostate Cancer?
Some approaches that may help to slow or prevent osteoporosis include:
- Taking calcium and vitamin D. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1000-1200 mg calcium depending on age and around 800 IU of vitamin D.
- 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.
- Use of bisphosphonates. Bisphosphonates usually taken by intravenous infusion (but sometimes by mouth) can stop or even reverse osteoporosis due to hormonal therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
- Not using tobacco
- Limiting alcohol intake
Men should talk to their health care providers about other approaches.