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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 am starting radiation therapy next week, any recommendation on when to do weight training before radiation or after
I go to the gym at 6;30 AM, so I scheduled radiation for mid morning. Fatigue from radiation is a side effect, so it make sense to workout first each day, and then go to your radiation session later in the day.
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5 ReactionsI am very lucky. I discovered a "Fitness over Fifty" resistance training gym. I am 71 years old and by direct observation I'd say my 71 is about average. We are mostly seniors, most of us in my age group and above carry some short of not-so-good diagnosis, hearts, cancer, memory issues, diabetes. Our health challenges have taught us about caring for people and hopes positive impacts on quality of life. I practice a Yoga/weight-lifting techniques that emphasizes deep breath, weight lifting, and mindfulness. I do this 3-4 days a y=week for couple of hours. Epically helpful.
Best version to all.
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7 ReactionsWhat about creatine?
Creatine is generally safe for guys on ADT if kidney function is normal and being checked with routine labs. It won’t raise testosterone or PSA. The main thing creatine does is help muscles recycle energy a little faster, so some lifters can squeeze out an extra rep or recover quicker between sets. That said, the effect is usually modest—especially for men on ADT. The big benefits for preserving muscle and strength come from consistent weight training, good protein, and calcium/vitamin D. Creatine can support that effort, but it’s not a game-changer on its own.
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6 ReactionsI lift, therefore I am.
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3 ReactionsVis ferri, vis animi
(“The strength of iron, the strength of the spirit.”)
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3 ReactionsExcellent thank you so much that was very helpful.
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2 ReactionsI have been constantly lifting weights but today when I mowed the yard I must say it kicked my ass. I have been on Orgovyx going on seven weeks. I was drinking lots of water but I have never felt this drained. Wondering what others reaction to mowing yard at 7 weeks into Orgovyx
Most of the fatigue comes from being in a low-testosterone state, not the specific ADT drug. I lift 4 days a week and rarely feel it in the gym, but yard work — especially in the heat — can bring on rapid fatigue. I’ve learned to pace myself with house or yard chores, go slow and easy, and stay hydrated. My personal experience is that both exercise and diet play a role — I’ve cut way back on sugar, can’t drink alcohol at all, and the fatigue can be random. Sometimes it just hits out of nowhere and then passes.
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