How long do symptoms last after completing ADT?

Posted by chris135711 @chris135711, Nov 6 9:00am

I've completed radiation and 18 of 24 months of planned ADT (abiraterone + leupron) for high-risk but localized PC. My major side effects are fatigue, decreased muscle mass, increased abdominal fat and (of course) loss of libido. My question is, how long does it take for the side effects of ADT to resolve after stopping the medications? Thank you - I look forward to hearing about your experiences.

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Profile picture for johnernest @johnernest

Did some research, as I will be in this same boat come April;
In men who stop ~18 months of ADT, the median time to recover to non-hypogonadal testosterone levels (i.e., roughly ‘normal’ T) is about 11.8 months, based on pooled trial data. Other factors pushing recovery slower include older age, longer ADT duration, lower baseline testosterone, and comorbidities

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@johnernest Take Orgovyx if you can. The recovery time is fraction of Lupron.

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Profile picture for jimbo12 @jimbo12

@ava11 I do not have the confidence to walk on the sidewalk.

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@jimbo12
What happens when you try to walk on the sidewalk? Stability or balance issues? How about using Nordic Walking poles? I am thinking I can't hike longer distance because of my low Testosterone level. You have decent amount of Testosterone level!

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I have read that more than 50% of men never fully recover from hormone treatment. I had a one month shot followed by a 3 month shot and thought I was going to die from the headaches, severe sweating, sore muscles, and brain fog. Now 7 months after my 3-month shot i am just starting to feel some improvement. However, my testosterone is still less than 10 and PSA < 0.1. I am 83 and still very physically active but a subzero libido. I feel that for many men the hormone treatment does more harm than good. Much of the harm like damage to the heart and other muscles is hard to measure.

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Profile picture for graybeard46 @graybeard46

I’m 6 months post last Lupron shot , testosterone now 115 , but despite my large appetite for sex prior to surgery, I have little desire to now due to the past year of trying everything for a good erection with poor to no results. Never thought I could ever lose interest, hope it comes back, my Johnson tired of injections

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@graybeard46

I have read that more than 50% of men will never recover from side effects or have enough testosterone for sexual activity. Never is forever.
Ed

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Profile picture for ava11 @ava11

@jimbo12
What happens when you try to walk on the sidewalk? Stability or balance issues? How about using Nordic Walking poles? I am thinking I can't hike longer distance because of my low Testosterone level. You have decent amount of Testosterone level!

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It is hard to explain. I just do not have the strength, balance, and confidence of before. If I used those poles (or even a cane), I would draw too much attention from some of the dangerous people who prowl the streets looking for weak victims. Thank you for your kindness.

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Profile picture for pesquallie @pesquallie

@graybeard46

I have read that more than 50% of men will never recover from side effects or have enough testosterone for sexual activity. Never is forever.
Ed

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@pesquallie I’m afraid you may be right , it’s very frustrating to the point it’s hard to even try At 79 with a 11 yr younger and attractive wife , each day is a downer

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Profile picture for jimbo12 @jimbo12

It is hard to explain. I just do not have the strength, balance, and confidence of before. If I used those poles (or even a cane), I would draw too much attention from some of the dangerous people who prowl the streets looking for weak victims. Thank you for your kindness.

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@jimbo12
If you use Nordic poles, you will look athletic not weak! It is a fitness walking workout not just casual stroll.

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Profile picture for jimbo12 @jimbo12

It is hard to explain. I just do not have the strength, balance, and confidence of before. If I used those poles (or even a cane), I would draw too much attention from some of the dangerous people who prowl the streets looking for weak victims. Thank you for your kindness.

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@jimbo12 A cane could become a pretty handy defensive weapon....

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I've read lupron side effects (hotflashes) ect can remain for as long as you've been on lupron.
I was on 2 years and now taking gabapentin and black cohosh to help sleep.

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Profile picture for graybeard46 @graybeard46

@pesquallie I’m afraid you may be right , it’s very frustrating to the point it’s hard to even try At 79 with a 11 yr younger and attractive wife , each day is a downer

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@graybeard46 Please don't let each day be a downer?! My husband & I are still romantic, etc. He just stopped ADT after almost 5yrs, but I don't really expect return of his libido. I just feel bad he can't get that particular pleasure back, but there is still the mindful attraction to each other with the rest of the body even at almost 78 & 60yrs married. Remember, menopause can do a real number on the opposite sex?!

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