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Weight lifting and ADT
I have been on ADT for 9 months now, I have continued my weightlifting program all during this time, I have always lifted weights 4 days per week, since I was 20 yrs old, so I was not going to stop because of prostate cancer and ADT. I have actually gotten stronger while on ADT, probably because I am more disciplined now fighting cancer. I just wanted to post this information to help others deal with ADT and why weight lifting will help you much more than other forms of exercise
ADT drastically lowers testosterone, causing muscle atrophy, bone loss, and metabolic slowdown. Resistance training directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis and strengthens bones through mechanical loading—effects that aerobic exercise or yoga alone can’t match. Studies show men on ADT who lift weights maintain lean mass, improve strength, preserve bone density, reduce fatigue, and support long-term metabolic health. Simply put, lifting is the most potent exercise to counteract ADT’s side effects.
Can Muscles Still Grow on ADT? Yes—With Resistance Training
Despite ADT’s muscle-wasting effects, research shows that men can still gain muscle through resistance exercise.
Key Findings:
Muscle Mass Gains: A 20-week study with 60 prostate cancer patients on ADT found that resistance training increased muscle mass and strength, even without additional protein supplementation. 
Strength Improvements: A meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials revealed that supervised physical training significantly enhanced muscle strength in men undergoing ADT, even if muscle mass didn’t increase. 
Muscle Memory: Previous training can provide a “muscle memory” effect, allowing for faster muscle regrowth after periods of inactivity. 
Conclusion: While ADT poses challenges, consistent resistance training can help build and maintain muscle mass and strength. It’s a powerful tool to combat ADT-related side effects.
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I have been riding my bike twice daily- short 2-3 mile rides ( very hot here) and then indoor kettle bell and light wts..I have lost about 20 pounds...much needed ( I am 5'10" and weighed 230 in April) now down to around 205...I feel better now..also, as several predicted-including my doc- ADT is toughest 1st month.. then side effects moderate some..at least for me so far..starting my 2nd month ADT.. now have some hope..like in Shawshank Redemption..hope is a good thing
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4 ReactionsGood to read your exercise program is helping you with ADT side effects. I have not noticed any diminishing side effects since I first started. However, I have learned what they are like and what triggers them. If I do too much in one day, it takes a while to recover. I have learned how to pace myself.
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2 Reactionsdrink ALOT of water/ fluids..1/2 gal /day in warm weather...ADT can dehydrate you and make you feel like hammered sh*t...happened to me twice...but seems like I turned a corner with the stuff..aside from hot flashes, I think I can handle it now..but first month was TOUGH !
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2 ReactionsGood advice, thanks
I mowed the lawn yesterday in the heat, didn’t drink enough water and it hammered me big time. Had to take a 3 hour nap to recover. I feel good today, but I made sure I took my water bottle with me on my walk this morning.
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1 ReactionYes, good advice. A few days ago I scooped crushed rock for 3 hours in the heat, as if I were a healthy 20 year-old. While I was doing it, I felt great, mentally anyway. But it took two full days to recover. I also have some serious arthritis.
Just the right amount (the Goldilocks effect) of resistance training has been very good for me.
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1 ReactionI have been a major advocate and participant in resistance training throughout my adulthood. I became scared when I learned I needed ADT, primarily because of the anticipated fatigue and likely joint pain. Now that I'm entering my sixth month of ADT can say:
- the fatigue is certainly bad and, unfortunately, getting worse as time progresses; and
- the joint pains have been less than anticipated - a pleasant surprise.
Gotta keep working out though. Can't imagine how bad this might become if I decided to stop.
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1 ReactionI worked out obsessively while on ADT and was afraid to take even one day off. I think it helped but who really knows?
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2 ReactionsI have joint pain off and on and it moves around to different joints, it only happens if I am inactive. Once I start moving it goes away. I also get strange muscle pains off and on that last less than a minute or so.
Despite all these side effects, I feel good most of the time.
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3 ReactionsYeah, it's strange how movement and exercise makes pain feel better instead of making it worse.
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1 ReactionI am 77 and have been on Orgovyx for six weeks now and will start my radiation therapy next Wednesday. I have continued my weight training still doing the same but it is taking longer. I am getting tired more but I also have sleep apnea and getting up a lot at night to pee since I got the spacer. Other than some lower back pain I feel good.