ADT and Headaches

[fmh1]

To all,

I may have mentioned it before, but I've had low-level but disruptive headaches since I started ADT along with low RBC/Hemoglobin/Hematocrit. Also as a diabetic, I've been on metformin for many years, thus depleting my B12 levels. I've talked to my doctors about this, and the only solution thus far is Execedrin. I haven't yet done a B12 blood test but am considering it for more direction. In the meantime, to help raise my RBC, I've just started taking supplemental iron --- my ferritin was very low normal --- along with a B12/folate supplement.

Anyone else have this kind of experience? Thank you.

[Tall_Allen]

Be careful about supplementing iron if you don't need it - it can be toxic. Testosterone stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, it has nothing to do with iron availability.

[fmh1 in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks for the tip!

[EdBar]

Yes and I’ve been taking iron for the past few years and it helped with anemia. I do get my iron levels checked every few months during routine blood work just to make sure levels are appropriate. Avoid B12 and folate supplements, prostate cancer loves it. I just saw doctor Sartor yesterday at Mayo and in reviewing the supplements that I take he said those are the two to avoid. I suffer from headaches too, probably from Xtandi, doctor Sartor prescribed Celebrex a few years ago to help with that, I been on it ever since, helps with the joint pain from long term adt as well.

Ed

[fmh1 in reply to EdBar]

Thanks for the feedback!

[Shorter]

I have been minus testosterone for over 3 years. Very similar to you, for over a year I have been having headaches, especially when driving a car. I take Tylenol every time I drive. I am also diabetic. I have not taken Iron but do often take a daily vitamin. I figured it was either from muscle loss in my neck due to loss of "T" (it hurts at the back of my head) or an issue with my glasses. I have not talked to my doctor, but my annual eye exam is coming up soon. If my glasses are not wrong, I had planned to talk to my doctor. Wonder if there are more of us?

[fmh1 in reply to Shorter]

Well, my red blood cell count/hemoglobin has been low since I finished chemo in 2019, and the ADT makes it hard to bring back to normal levels. Because my cancer is metastatic, I am not a good candidate at this time for testosterone replacement therapy. It's kind of a catch-22.

[Shorter in reply to fmh1]

Mine is metastatic as well. My red blood cell/hemoglobin also normally runs low. I had a botched prostate surgery in 2018, salvage radiation in 2020, and am currently getting SBRT. Haven't had chemo yet.