Hormonal therapy is considered one of the modern medical methods that have made a significant difference in the treatment of many diseases, especially those related to hormones. This type of treatment depends on adjusting the levels of hormones in the body to achieve a healthy balance, whether to compensate for the deficiency or to reduce their excess effect. In the following lines, we will explain with Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital in a comprehensive tour the importance of hormonal therapy and its various uses in improving the quality of life.

What is hormonal therapy?

It is a medical method used to regulate or modify hormone levels in the body in order to treat certain diseases or conditions. The treatment depends on giving the body additional hormones or medications that affect the production or activity of natural hormones. Hormonal therapy is commonly used for various conditions such as menopause, thyroid disorders, and the treatment of some different types of cancer such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. The type of treatment varies according to the health condition and the type of affected hormones. This type of treatment also aims to restore hormonal balance and improve the vital functions of the body.

How hormone therapy works to treat cancer 

Hormone therapy to treat cancer works by influencing the hormones that stimulate the growth of some types of cancer. Many types of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, depend heavily on certain hormones such as estrogen and testosterone for growth. The idea of ​​hormonal therapy is limited to cutting off the hormonal supply or preventing its effect on cancer cells. This is done in different ways, the most important of which are:

• Preventing the body from producing hormones, such as using medications that inhibit the production of estrogen or testosterone.
• Preventing hormones from reaching the cells, by closing the hormonal receptors on the cancer cell.
• Removal of hormone-producing glands, such as removing the ovaries or removing the testicles in some advanced cases.

There are examples of cancers that are treated with hormonal therapy, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and sometimes endometrial cancer and some types of ovarian cancer. It should also be noted that this type of treatment is not used with all types of cancer. It is used with cancers that are sensitive to hormones, and in most cases it is part of an integrated treatment plan alongside surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Types of cancers that require hormonal treatment

Cancers that require this type of treatment are usually linked to hormones in their growth, and below we review the most popular ones:

• سرطان الثدي Sensitive to hormones: If the cancer cells carry receptors for estrogen or progesterone, treatment here works to reduce the effect of these hormones on the cancer cells.
• Prostate cancer, which depends on testosterone for growth, and here treatment aims to reduce testosterone levels or prevent its effect.
• Endometrial cancer, and some types of it, depend on the hormone estrogen. This treatment may be used especially in the early stages or for patients who cannot undergo surgery.
• A few types of ovarian cancer, which may be sensitive to hormones, and this type of treatment is used especially if the cancer returns again after the initial treatment.
• Adrenal cancer in some rare cases, if the tumor depends on the production of certain hormones.
• Thyroid cancer In some types, thyroid hormone therapy is often used after the initial treatment to prevent the growth of remaining cells.

Advantages of hormonal therapy

The most prominent features of this treatment are as follows:

• It directly targets hormone-sensitive cancers, and it works to stop the growth of cancer cells that depend on hormones without affecting normal cells.
• It is characterized by less treatment compared to chemotherapy, and it often does not cause hair loss or severe fatigue as happens with chemotherapy.
• After the tumor is removed, it is given for a long time to reduce the possibility of the cancer returning.
• Suitable for patients who are unable to tolerate surgery or ChemotherapyEspecially the elderly or those with chronic diseases.
• It is used as a preliminary treatment to reduce the size of the tumor and make it easier to remove.
• Most hormonal treatments are administered through injections or pills, which makes it easier for the patient to adhere to the treatment at home.

Hormone therapy is an effective option against some types of cancer, but it requires careful evaluation and continuous follow-up. Oncology center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we provide hormonal treatment plans tailored to each case under the supervision of a group of experienced oncologists.

From the category for which hormonal treatment is not suitable

The categories for which this treatment is not appropriate are as follows:

• Cancers that are not sensitive to hormones. If the cancer cells test negative for hormone receptors, the patient will not benefit from hormone therapy.

Some patients who have recurrent blood clots or a medical history with Strokes Or blood clots, some hormonal treatments increase the risk of clots.

• Pregnant women: In some cases, hormonal treatment medications may harm the fetus, so it is best to postpone treatment or replace it in the event of pregnancy.
• Patients with severe osteoporosis are not suitable for this treatment, because some medications such as aromatase inhibitors can increase the loss of bone density, and thus osteoporosis may worsen.
• Some types of hormonal treatments depend on the liver for elimination, so they are not suitable for patients with severe liver failure.
• Those who suffer from intolerable side effects, such as severe depression and severe joint pain.

Frequently asked questions 

Does hormone therapy have complications?

Yes, hormonal treatment causes various complications, which vary depending on the type of medication used and the patient’s condition. The most prominent potential complications include weight gain, fatigue, mood changes, weak bones, and increased risk of blood clots, in addition to the risk of heart disease in some cases. Some patients may suffer from symptoms related to sexual conditions, such as vaginal dryness and decreased desire. These complications may vary from one individual to another.

Is hormone therapy tiring?

This type of treatment may be tiring for some patients, as it may cause some symptoms such as general fatigue, mood swings, and joint pain, which affects the patients’ lives. It is noteworthy that the degree of fatigue varies from one person to another, according to the type of medication, the duration of treatment, and the patient’s general health condition. In many cases, the symptoms are bearable and can be controlled through medical follow-up and appropriate therapeutic support, which makes hormonal treatment one of the most effective options, despite some of the problems that accompany it.

Is hormonal therapy chemotherapy?

No, hormonal therapy is not chemotherapy. They are two different types. Chemotherapy aims to kill cancer cells quickly, and it mostly affects the body’s healthy cells, thus causing strong side effects such as hair loss and nausea. However, hormonal therapy targets those hormones that help the growth of some types of cancer, and works to reduce hormone levels or work to prevent their effects, which makes it less harsh than chemotherapy in terms of side effects.

With Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, our doctors are keen to provide all possible solutions to treat different types of cancer, including the use of hormonal therapy. Do not hesitate and book your appointment now for diagnosis and treatment.

Medical references 

Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms – clevelandclinic

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – healthdirect