Hormonotherapy
Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment that involves replacement therapy with specific human hormones or their antagonists.
The growth of some cancers depends on hormones. Because of this, treatments that block or replace hormones are aimed at slowing the development and growth of these cancers. Treatment of cancer with hormones is called hormone therapy, hormone therapy, or endocrine therapy.
Hormone therapy is used for two main reasons:
- Hormone therapy can stop or slow the growth of cancer and reduce the chance of its recurrence;
- Reduction of cancer-related symptoms.
Hormone therapy is used in such cancers as breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, and adrenal gland cancer, although the use of hormone therapy is associated with certain risks. These risks depend on the type of hormone therapy, the dose, the duration of the drug, and individual health factors. To achieve the best results, hormone therapy should be selected individually for each patient and periodically re-evaluated to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks.
There are different types of hormone therapy, such as:
- tableted form;
- Injectable form.
Some types of surgery can also be a form of hormone therapy
For example, orchiectomy (surgery to remove the testicles, which are the main source of testosterone) may be an option for some men with prostate cancer who need hormone therapy as part of their treatment. Also, oophorectomy (surgery to remove the ovaries, the main source of estrogen and progesterone) may be an option for some women with breast cancer. The side effects of this type of treatment are usually similar to drugs that lower hormone levels in the body.
Risks associated with hormone therapy
Men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer may experience the following side effects:
- Flames;
- decreased sexual desire;
- erectile dysfunction (erection problem);
- high risk of fractures;
- tiredness;
- Weight gain (especially around the abdomen) with a decrease in muscle mass;
- memory problems;
- Increased risk of other health problems.
Women receiving hormone therapy for breast or endometrial cancer may experience the following possible side effects:
- Flames;
- vaginal discharge, dryness or irritation;
- decreased sexual desire;
- tiredness
- Nausea
- pain in muscles and joints;
- high risk of bone loss and fractures;
- Higher risk of stroke, blood clots, cataracts, and heart disease.
The oncologist prescribes hormone therapy, selects the method of administration and gives appropriate recommendations in case of side effects. To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, laboratory and radiological studies are carried out.
Preparation for hormone therapy depends on the chosen treatment method.
