How to prevent and treat the side effects of endocrine therapy for prostate cancer

Endocrine therapy is an important part of prostate cancer treatment. Although the side effects of treatment are less than chemotherapy, long-term use of the drug will still cause damage to the patient's physical and mental health.

Here are some lifestyle suggestions for patients’ reference.

Hot flashes: Avoid irritating foods (hot pot or spicy food). Soy products may help relieve hot flash symptoms.

Decreased physical strength: Ensure 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week.

Osteoporosis: Quit smoking, drink less, supplement appropriate amounts of calcium (600-1200mg) and vitamin D (400-800IU) every day, and check bone density every year.

Cardiovascular disease: Before treatment, you need to check for cardiovascular disease, increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, reduce the intake of salt and saturated fat, and check your weight and blood pressure regularly.

Metabolic diseases such as diabetes: Check blood sugar and blood lipids regularly, and prevent the "three highs (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids)" through diet, activities, and lifestyle habits.

Renal insufficiency: Check renal function regularly and pay attention to urine output.

The above suggestions can help alleviate mild side effects. For side effects that are difficult to control, it is still better to come to the outpatient clinic for further examination and treatment.