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Stopping Relugolix Hormone Tablets Early.

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User
Posted 03 May 2026 at 19:57

Hello, I am new to this Forum.

I was diagnosed with aggressive, Gleason 9, prostrate cancer, that had not spread, in early 2025. I started Relugolix tablets in May 2025 and completed 20 sessions of radiotherapy in November 2026. I was told that I would be on Relugolix for 2 years. I am fed up of the ongoing side effects and want to feel like a man again! My PSA is 0.2. I have started a dialog with my Oncologist about stopping Relugolix early in an attempt to improve my quality of life. Any experience or comments would be most welcome. 77 year old male, keen cyclist, also on heart medication but atrial fibrillation now under control.

Peter.

User
Posted 04 May 2026 at 00:36

Roughly speaking, the hormone therapy halves the recurrence rate. If it did recur, you might find yourself on hormone therapy for life.

Having said that, You've done probably the most important part of the hormone therapy, but I think all oncologists would say just 1 year is on the short side for a Gleason 9. Stopping now will probably increase your chance of recurrence, but not as much as never having used hormone therapy at all, so less than double the chance. Your oncologist might be able to give you an idea of the extra risk of stopping early.

User
Posted 04 May 2026 at 08:21

Hi Peter 

Perhaps try mitigating the side effects first.

Perhaps try the nurses on this website .

There arecsome excellent videos from Mark Schulz US expert on alleviating symptoms.

I believe there is also a trial using half doses which are still effective 

User
Posted 04 May 2026 at 08:49
Gleeson 9 did 2 years of hormone therapy, stopped 18 months ago , so far so good , last PSA 0.05.
User
Posted 06 May 2026 at 08:45
JUly 2022 commenced HT (Decapeptyl) after recurrent PSA had reached 17.5. PSA fell to 0.3 after 7 months treatment but side effects were extreme, so oncologist agreed to HT 'holiday', advising resumption when PSA returned to 5.0

However, side effects continued over following years, so refused to restart HT when PSA had exceded 5.0 in February 2025. PSA has since continued steady rise and currently stands at 14. Meanwhile annual bone, PET and/or MRI scans have all remained clear so onco has reluctantly agreed to further delays in resumption of HT but believes it will be imperative to recommence when PSA reaches 20.

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User
Posted 04 May 2026 at 00:36

Roughly speaking, the hormone therapy halves the recurrence rate. If it did recur, you might find yourself on hormone therapy for life.

Having said that, You've done probably the most important part of the hormone therapy, but I think all oncologists would say just 1 year is on the short side for a Gleason 9. Stopping now will probably increase your chance of recurrence, but not as much as never having used hormone therapy at all, so less than double the chance. Your oncologist might be able to give you an idea of the extra risk of stopping early.

User
Posted 04 May 2026 at 08:16

Andy, thank you, very helpful.

User
Posted 04 May 2026 at 08:21

Hi Peter 

Perhaps try mitigating the side effects first.

Perhaps try the nurses on this website .

There arecsome excellent videos from Mark Schulz US expert on alleviating symptoms.

I believe there is also a trial using half doses which are still effective 

User
Posted 04 May 2026 at 08:49
Gleeson 9 did 2 years of hormone therapy, stopped 18 months ago , so far so good , last PSA 0.05.
User
Posted 06 May 2026 at 08:45
JUly 2022 commenced HT (Decapeptyl) after recurrent PSA had reached 17.5. PSA fell to 0.3 after 7 months treatment but side effects were extreme, so oncologist agreed to HT 'holiday', advising resumption when PSA returned to 5.0

However, side effects continued over following years, so refused to restart HT when PSA had exceded 5.0 in February 2025. PSA has since continued steady rise and currently stands at 14. Meanwhile annual bone, PET and/or MRI scans have all remained clear so onco has reluctantly agreed to further delays in resumption of HT but believes it will be imperative to recommence when PSA reaches 20.

 
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