Hormonal Therapy

ABOUT HORMONE THERAPY

Hormone therapy is a form of therapy that is used for the treatment of different types of cancer by removing, blocking, or adding specific hormones to the body. Hormone therapy is also known as hormonal therapy, anti-hormonal therapy, or endocrine therapy.

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by glands and are important for regulating different body functions. They travel from tissues to organs further controlling processes such as growth and development, reproduction, metabolism, and mood. These hormones are produced by specific glands such as the pituitary glands, adrenal glands, thyroid glands, pancreas, and reproductive organs.

BENEFITS OF HORMONE THERAPY

It changes the number of hormones in the body depending on the specific hormones being used and the individual’s health condition. The benefits include:

• Prevents the body from producing a hormone.
• Changing how a hormone acts in the individual’s body.
• Blocks the hormone from binding to cancer cells.

TYPES OF HORMONE THERAPY

It is classified into different types based on the hormones used, the method of administration, and the purpose of treatment. The different types include:

SURGERY AND RADIATION THERAPY

Surgery involves the removal of glands or organs to stop their hormone production or works against a hormone’s effects in the individual’s body.

On the other hand, Radiation therapy is used to destroy or damage hormone-producing tissue, thus stopping hormone production.

HORMONE DRUG THERAPY

A few medications affect how cells make hormones by stopping hormone-producing cells from creating hormones. Other drugs work against hormones or how they impact the body. Cancer cells fuelled by hormones have receptors on their surfaces that attach to the cancer cells allowing them to grow. The hormone drug therapy includes:

• Estrogen Therapy: This type of therapy is used to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. It can be administered orally, topically (as a cream, gel, or patch), or vaginally (as a cream, tablet, or ring).
• Progestin Therapy: Progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone and is a female hormone that is often used in combination with estrogen therapy in women by helping protect the uterus from the effects of estrogen, such as endometrial hyperplasia.
• Testosterone Therapy: Testosterone therapy is used to increase the testosterone levels in individuals with low testosterone levels. It is commonly used to treat symptoms of low testosterone in men, such as decreased libido, fatigue, and muscle loss.
• Thyroid Hormone Therapy: It involves the use of synthetic thyroid hormones (such as levothyroxine) to replace or increase the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It is used to treat hypothyroidism and helps in preventing the recurrence of thyroid cancer.
• Anti-androgen Therapy: Anti-androgens are drugs that block the effects of androgens which is a type of male hormone. They are used to treat conditions such as prostate cancer.

Hormone levels can control different types of cancer in the human body. The different types of cancer that can be treated with the help of breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, uterine cancer, adrenal cancer, pituitary gland tumor, and others.

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Furthermore, there are different ways in which it can be given to individuals such as orally, can be administered through injections, and surgical ablation. It recommended depends on the type of cancer and the hormones used.  Thus, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of hormone therapy with your doctor before starting treatment, as it may not be suitable for everyone and can have side effects.