Hormone treatment

Hormone antagonists are a class of drugs that work by inhibiting the action of hormones in the body. They are used in a variety of medical treatments, including cancer therapy, contraception, and the management of endocrine disorders.

Mechanism of Action

Hormone antagonists function by binding to the same receptor as the target hormone, but without activating it. This prevents the hormone from exerting its effect, effectively blocking its action. The specific mechanism of action varies depending on the type of hormone antagonist and the hormone it is designed to inhibit.

Types of Hormone Antagonists

There are several types of hormone antagonists, each designed to inhibit a specific hormone. These include:

• Estrogen antagonists: These drugs, also known as antiestrogens, are used to treat conditions such as breast cancer and infertility. They work by blocking the action of estrogen in the body.

• Androgen antagonists: Also known as antiandrogens, these drugs are used to treat conditions such as prostate cancer and hirsutism. They work by blocking the action of androgens, the male sex hormones.

• Progestin antagonists: These drugs are used in emergency contraception and in the treatment of uterine fibroids. They work by blocking the action of progestin, a hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

• Glucocorticoid antagonists: These drugs are used to treat conditions such as Cushing's syndrome and congestive heart failure. They work by blocking the action of glucocorticoids, hormones involved in the stress response and inflammation.

Side Effects

Like all drugs, hormone antagonists can have side effects. These can vary depending on the specific drug and the condition it is being used to treat, but may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and changes in mood or libido. In some cases, hormone antagonists can also cause more serious side effects, such as blood clots or liver damage.

See Also

• Hormone therapy
• Endocrine system
• Pharmacology