I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error


Testosterone recovery after ADT

User
Posted 27 Jun 2025 at 18:37

Hi,


I had radiotherapy and 2 years ADT (Goserelin) between Nov 22 and Nov 24. My PSA at diagnosis was 38, but fell to 1.5 within 6 weeks of starting ADT, and has been between 0.01 and 0.03 since. My testosterone was not tested prior to ADT so I have no baseline, but I was in a relatively new relationship (I am 60 now) so the lack of erectile function, on top of all the other side effects of zero testosterone, has been a major factor.


In May 25, i.e. 6 months after finishing ADT, my PSA was measured at 0.03. but testosterone at just 0.6. This worries me a little. I have a friend who had the exact same timelines and treatment plan (although he also had chemotherapy and more RT than me, 37 days to my 20), and his testosterone level is 10.


The urology nurse told me I just need to be patient. There is nothing I can do to influence testosterone recovery. I had originally been told it could take up to 2 years to recover, but when I ask ChatGPT it says there is a 20-25% chance it will never recover, which I would find devastating. I'm not sure why this outcome risk wasn't explained prior to my choosing ADT over surgery.


Can anyone shed any light on this? What was their testosterone recovery level like after ADT? Am I getting anxious over nothing, and should I just follow the nurses's advice and be patient?


 


Thanks in advance!


 


 

User
Posted 27 Jun 2025 at 23:48

Just for comparison at age 76 mine came back about a year after ending HT at 18nmol/liter and then 27nmol/liter after 2 years [there's different units of measurement in some places]. At least one other person on here had a similar experience.


You're still well within a reasonable waiting zone, frustrating as it is. There might be a slight advantage to not having testosterone in your system yet as it effectively prolongs the period of your HT. If it doesn't return, testosterone replacement therapy could be an option.


For now, I think you don't have anything to worry about.


Jules 

Edited by member 28 Jun 2025 at 02:59  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 30 Jun 2025 at 15:00

Thanks for that. I was wondering if anyone else could share their testosterone recovery (or otherwise) stories. It's been 30 months since I last spoke to an oncologist, and my GP won't discuss sexual function, so I do feel a little left in the dark here.

User
Posted 30 Jun 2025 at 15:20

With respect, Peter. If your GP won't discuss sexual function, or perhaps refer you to another source within or without his/her practice, then perhaps you may consider a change. 

User
Posted 30 Jun 2025 at 15:54

Good point,  and I will. Tbh though, a GP isn't going to be able to answer my questions. 

User
Posted 30 Jun 2025 at 21:02

Perhaps, more likely perhaps not. But IMHO, a GP who isn't interested in the whole of you - and that includes your anxiety - isn't worthy of your custom. 

 
Forum Jump  
©2025 Prostate Cancer UK