In the United States, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. But when detected early, it can be effectively treated or cured. Testosterone, the male growth hormone, has long been studied as a potential variable in the formation of prostate cancer, as the cancer relies on testosterone to grow.
Testosterone has many functions, ranging from a man’s sex drive and production of sperm, to physical and emotional changes in the body. Some men produce too much testosterone, which can lead to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate, while some men don’t produce enough testosterone. This is called hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism, a condition in which the testes don’t produce enough testosterone in the body, affects an estimated 4 to 5 million men in the U.S. Millions of these men are recommended testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) by their doctors, a treatment method in which a shot, patch or gel is administered to bring their hormone levels back to normal. It’s a point of contention, however, that TRT increases a man’s risk of prostate cancer.
A recent study conducted by Harvard Medical School involving men with hypogonadism and a low risk of prostate cancer found that undergoing TRT over a 14-month span did not increase their risk of prostate cancer. This study was conducted in a controlled environment and found that the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the placebo and TRT treatment groups was equally low, dispelling years of scientific disputes.
It’s important to note that there are usually no symptoms of prostate cancer in its early stages. Various factors such as age, a family history of the disease and a high-fat diet are also linked to a greater risk of prostate cancer. As the cancer progresses, individuals may experience:
- Difficulty or inability to urinate
- Decreased strength of urine stream
- Waking at night to urinate
- Frequent and painful urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Deep pain in the lower back, abdomen, hips or pelvis
- Loss of appetite and/or weight
- Persistent bone pain
Experts are still studying the relationship between prostate cancer and testosterone, but one thing is for certain – it’s crucial that men 40 and older receive annual prostate screenings. Choose the experts at Arkansas Urology.
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