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slowdo avatar

ADT, Hot Flashes and Ashwagandha: Is it safe?

Prostate Cancer | Last Active: 11 hours ago | Replies (11)

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Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@slowdo, you're right that ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels. So it's important that you talk with your doctor if you have hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Ashwagandha can interfere with your treatments.

When researching supplements and herbs related to cancer, I check the Memorial Sloan Kettering's website: About Herbs, Botanicals , etc. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs.

Here's the article specifically on:
- Ashwagandha https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ashwagandha
- The Truth about Ashwagandha and Cancer: Answers from an MSK Expert https://www.mskcc.org/news/truth-about-ashwagandha

And also from Mayo Clinic
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Can ashwagandha supplements help with stress and anxiety relief? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-can-ashwagandha-supplements-help-with-stress-and-anxiety-relief/

Like you, I couldn't find any guidance about using ashwagandha AFTER completing treatment. That sounds like a question for your oncologist. I'd be interested in hearing what you learn.

Do you consult with someone in integrative oncology at your cancer center?

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Replies to "@slowdo, you're right that ashwagandha may increase testosterone levels. So it's important that you talk with..."

@colleenyoung Thanks for the response. Yeah, I check MSK on occasion for medical info. I will definitely ask my med. onc. about it. I see them soon and I'll report back. I should also look into integrative or complementary oncology.