Androgen deprivation raises weight, insulin resistance and lipids, and accelerates bone loss. Before the first injection, record blood pressure, lipids, HbA1c or fasting glucose, and a fracture risk assessment.
Repeat metabolic checks within the first year, encourage resistance exercise, and make sure the man's GP or physician knows he has started ADT so cardiovascular risk is not left to the cancer clinic alone.
- Record blood pressure, lipids and glucose or HbA1c before the first dose
- Assess fracture risk and consider bone density testing
- Recommend resistance and aerobic exercise from the start
- Inform the GP or physician that ADT has begun
Why it matters
Metabolic harm from ADT starts early and is easy to miss in a cancer-focused clinic.
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