Connect
How long do symptoms last after completing ADT?
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
I think age is the biggest factor. Older = longer to recover T and the associated side effects.
1. Testosterone Recovery Timeline
Short-term ADT (≤6 months):
Testosterone may start to recover within 3–6 months after stopping treatment, and often reaches the low–normal range by 6–12 months.
Long-term ADT (≥2 years):
Recovery is slower and sometimes incomplete. It can take 12–24 months, and some men never return to their pre-treatment testosterone levels.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsDid 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
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@stew80
Thanks!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction1. I am an outlier.
2. I stopped Lupron THREE years ago (after only two shots, three months apart).
3. But I STILL have NOT regained my previous level of mobility.
4. I am now 88 years old.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@stew80 spot on, 11 months after ADT, Testosterone is only 59 after 28 months of ADT.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI was told with Lupron recovery time is nearly the same as the time you were on it.
I was on Orgovyx and that took about 3 months to feel "normal" but then I did PT because my legs were weak.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was on Eligard for 6 months. I was told that it would take an additional 50% of that time for my testosterone to begin recovering (and as a result side-effects to begin subsidizing).
Sure enough, 3 months beyond that 6 months on Eligard (that would be January 2022), I told my wife that I thought the Eligard was wearing off because I was beginning to lift heavier weights at the gym. Since I wasn’t due for another “official” bloodwork for another couple of months, I self-ordered another PSA & testosterone test, and those came back as 0.13 & 403, respectively - meaning that everything was going exactly as expected (that is, testosterone was increasing on schedule & PSA was staying low). The muscle mass, and strength all slowly returned.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@rrk25
Thank you very much. Looking forward to getting my strength back. I’ve been working out too.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@jimbo12
What is Your Testosterone level now, if you don't mind sharing? When you say not gained previous level of mobility means you can't walk at same pace as before or duration?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@ava11My last test in September put it at 257. Three years ago, I could walk 4 miles confidently (and even with some cockiness) to do various errands around town. I have lost all confidence. Of course, I am grateful that I can still walk around the house with sufficient confidence to do my chores. But I am too terrified to attempt walking outside on the sidewalk. Thank you for your note, and have a nice weekend.