Hormonal Therapy - Overview

Hormonal therapy is a medical treatment that involves using hormones or hormone-modulating agents to influence or alter hormone levels in the body. It is mostly used to manage various health conditions related to hormone imbalances, such as certain types of diabetes, thyroid, menopause symptoms, etc.

How Hormonal Therapy Works

Hormonal therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, works by blocking the production or activity of hormones in the body that promote the growth of a disease. Female hormone tablets are commonly prescribed to regulate hormone levels in women. Hormonal therapy is commonly used to treat hormone sensitive cancers (like breast, ovarian, endometrial, and prostate cancer), menopause symptoms (like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness), hormonal disorders (like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism), endometriosis and other hormonal imbalances (like PCOS). Hormonal therapy may be given in the form of pills, injections, or surgical removal of hormone-producing organs.

Side Effects Of Hormonal Therapy

Although medicines for hormones play a crucial role in managing various health conditions related to hormonal fluctuations, the side effects of hormonal therapy can vary depending on the specific treatment and individual factors. Some common side effects may include:

• Hot flashes
• Weakened bones
• Loss of interest in or ability to have sex
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Enlarged and tender breasts
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in your periods (if you have not yet reached menopause)
• Mood changes
• Hair thinning
• Loss of bone density
• Risk of blood clots
• Insomnia
• Changes in cholesterol levels
• Fluctuations in Thyroid levels
• Risk of heart health

References:

• https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/hormone-therapy
• https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/hormone-therapy/what-hormone-therapy#:~:text=Hormone%20therapy%20is%20a%20type,hormones%20to%20fuel%20their%20growth.
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046372
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15245-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms