Hormonal therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to block or lower the levels of hormones that help some cancers grow. Hormones are substances produced by bodily glands and circulate in the bloodstream. Some hormones can attach to receptors on cancer cells and stimulate them to grow and divide. Hormonal therapy can interfere with this process and slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Hormonal therapy is mainly used to treat hormone-sensitive or hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. These cancers have receptors for hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Hormonal therapy can also treat other types of cancers that are affected by hormones, such as endometrial and adrenal cancer.
Hormonal therapy can have different goals and benefits for cancer patients, depending on the type and stage of cancer, the type and dose of hormonal therapy, and the patient’s individual characteristics. However, hormonal therapy also has risks and side effects that must be considered and managed. In this article, we will discuss the benefits and risks of hormonal therapy for cancer patients.
The Benefits of Hormonal Therapy for Cancer Patients
Hormonal therapy can offer several benefits for cancer patients with hormone-sensitive or hormone-dependent cancers. Some of these benefits are:
- How hormonal therapy can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells: Hormonal therapy can block or lower the hormones that stimulate cancer cells to grow and divide. It can shrink the tumour, prevent it from spreading, or make removing it easier with surgery or radiation. Hormonal therapy can also cause cancer cells to be more sensitive to other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
- How hormonal therapy can reduce the symptoms and complications of cancer: Hormonal therapy can relieve some of the signs and complications caused by cancer or its treatment. For example, hormonal therapy can reduce bone pain, bleeding, or pressure on organs caused by tumours. It can also prevent or treat osteoporosis (bone loss) caused by low estrogen levels in women or low testosterone levels in men.
- How hormonal therapy can improve cancer patients’ quality of life and survival: Hormonal treatment can improve their quality of life and survival by reducing their physical and emotional distress, improving their functioning and well-being, and prolonging their life span. Hormonal therapy can also reduce the risk of recurrence (cancer returning) or metastasis (cancer spreading to other body parts).
The Risks of Hormonal Therapy for Cancer Patients
Hormonal therapy can also have risks and side effects for cancer patients with hormone-sensitive or hormone-dependent cancers. Some of these risks and side effects are:
- How hormonal therapy can cause side effects and health problems: Hormonal therapy can cause side effects and health problems by changing the balance of hormones in the body. These changes can affect various organs and systems, such as the heart, blood vessels, bones, muscles, skin, hair, mood, memory, sexual function, and fertility. Some common side effects of hormonal therapy include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, depression, anxiety, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, breast tenderness or enlargement, acne, hair loss or growth, and osteoporosis. Some serious health problems associated with hormonal therapy include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver damage, and certain types of cancer.
- How hormonal therapy can affect your hormones and fertility: Hormonal therapy can affect your hormones and fertility by suppressing or altering the production and function of your natural hormones. It can affect your menstrual cycle, ovulation, sperm production, and pregnancy. Some types of hormonal therapy can cause temporary or permanent infertility (inability to have children). Hormonal therapy can also affect the development and health of your unborn child if you become pregnant while taking it or soon after stopping it.
- How hormonal therapy can interact with other treatments and medications: Hormonal therapy can interact with other treatments and medications, you may be taking for cancer or other conditions. These interactions can affect the effectiveness or safety of either treatment or cure. For example, some types of hormonal therapy can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners. Some types of chemotherapy or immunotherapy can interfere with the action of hormonal therapy or increase its side effects.
Conclusion
Hormonal therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to block or lower the levels of hormones that help some cancers grow. Hormonal therapy can have different benefits and risks for patients with hormone-sensitive or hormone-dependent cancers. The benefits of hormonal therapy include the following:
- Slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
- Reducing the symptoms and complications of cancer.
- Improving the quality of life and survival of cancer patients.
The risks of hormonal therapy include:
- Causing side effects and health problems.
- Affecting your hormones and fertility.
- Interacting with other treatments and medications.
If you are considering hormonal therapy for your cancer, you should talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of this treatment option. Your doctor can help you decide if hormonal therapy is right for you based on your type and stage of cancer, medical history, personal preferences, and goals. Your doctor can also help you choose the best style and dose of hormonal therapy for your condition and monitor your response and side effects. It would help to inform your doctor about any other treatments or medications you plan to take.
Hormonal therapy is one of the many ways to treat cancer. By weighing the benefits and risks of hormonal treatment, you can make an informed decision about your cancer care. Whether you take hormonal therapy or not, remember to follow your doctor’s advice and take good care of yourself.
If you have any questions regarding any clinical therapy, feel free to contact Dr. Erum Jiva via email at info@atoz.healthcare or call us at 352-3045466
Disclaimer: Above information is subject to change and represent the views of the author. It is shared for educational purposes only. Readers are advised to use their own judgement and seek specific professional advice before making any decision. A to Z Healthcare is not liable for any actions taken by reader based on the information shared in this article. You may consult with us before using this information for any purpose.
