Men's Osteoporosis Support GroupComplications of androgen deprivation therapy J Androl. 2008 Jun 20. [Epub ahead of print], Androgen Deprivation Therapy, Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Mortality: An Inconvenient Truth. Basaria S. PMID: 18567642. There are multiple articles on this site regarding androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and this one that has a thorough discussion of the topic. To find other articles I suggest using the Freefind search tool and the word "deprivation." For obvious reasons the articles concentrate on osteoporosis, which is a common and serious side effect from ADT used to treat advanced prostate cancer. The Basaria article is important because it mentions other possible complications that can result from ADT. These include hyperinsulinemia without causing hyperglycemia in men treated with ADT for 3-6 months. In longer-term therapy (greater than 12 months) there is a higher incidence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome compared to controls. There is also higher cardiovascular mortality in men on ADT. Editor's comments. This article highlights the importance of talking with your care provider if you are undergoing ADT for prostate cancer. Don't assume he or she will have read this literature. Instead mention that you have read the article or abstract and that you are concerned. In fact, don't hesitate to print it out and take it with you to give to the care provider. Ask to have appropriate testing done to see if you are at risk for any of these conditions, and particularly take appropriate preventive measures to avoid having additional problems that can result from ADT. Certainly it is critical to take appropriate preventive measures regarding cardiovascular mortality, prevention is your only hope.
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