Techniques of Hormone Therapy

Testicle removal
With this operation, the surgeon removes the testicles, where most of the male hormones (testosterone and DHT) are made. This causes most prostate cancers to stop growing or shrink for a time.

This is performed as an outpatient procedure. It is the simplest form of hormone therapy and its effects are permanent. There are artificial testicles that look much like normal ones can be inserted into the scrotum.

Chemical castration
More men prefer this drug therapy as an alternative to surgical castration. Medications are injected under the skin to block production of hormones in the testicles. Over time the testicles will shrink and may become too small to feel.

Anti-androgen pills
A third option uses daily pills that block the body’s ability to absorb male hormones. This option is not typically used alone, but is more a compliment to either surgical or chemical castration.