Hormonal therapy

Hormonal therapy is a form of medical treatment that involves the use of hormones or hormone-blocking drugs to fight diseases such as cancer. It is also known as hormone therapy, hormone treatment, or endocrine therapy.

Overview

Hormonal therapy works by either stopping the production of a certain hormone, blocking hormone receptors, or substituting chemically similar agents for the active hormone, which cannot be used by the tumor cell. The different types of hormone therapies are categorized by their function and/or the type of hormone that is affected.

Types of Hormonal Therapy

Adrenal Steroid Inhibitors

Adrenal steroid inhibitors are drugs that reduce the production of adrenal hormones. They are used to treat diseases such as Cushing's syndrome and adrenal cancer.

Aromatase Inhibitors

Aromatase inhibitors are drugs that block the enzyme aromatase, which is responsible for the final step in the production of estrogen in the body. They are used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Estrogen Receptor Antagonists

Estrogen receptor antagonists are drugs that block the effects of estrogen in the body. They are used to treat breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are drugs that reduce the production of certain hormones by the ovaries or testicles. They are used to treat diseases such as prostate cancer and endometriosis.

Side Effects

Like all medical treatments, hormonal therapy can have side effects. These can include hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and nausea. It is important for patients to discuss these potential side effects with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

See Also

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Immunotherapy

Hormonal therapy Resources
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