Which symptoms should be included in patient education about androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer?

• A. Hot flashes and decreased libido
• B. Weight gain and increased appetite
• C. Improved vision
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (A)

Androgen deprivation therapy lowers testosterone, so the most important symptoms to educate patients about are vasomotor symptoms and sexual side effects. Hot flashes arise because reduced testosterone alters the body's temperature regulation, making flashes more common and sometimes bothersome. Decreased libido occurs because testosterone drives sexual desire and function, and lower levels commonly reduce interest and performance. These effects are directly tied to how ADT works and are frequently reported by patients, making them essential topics for education and planning for symptom management.

The other choices aren’t as characteristic of ADT. Weight gain and increased appetite aren’t specific or most prominent, improved vision isn’t related to ADT, and hair changes aren’t typical education focal points for this therapy.