Hormonal Therapy: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Hormonal therapy is a treatment option utilized by doctors to manage various hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, prostate, ovarian, and endometrial cancers. Also known as endocrine therapy, hormone withdrawal therapy, or hormone manipulation therapy, it aims to alter hormone levels to inhibit cancer growth. It's essential to distinguish hormonal therapy from hormone replacement therapy, which is not recommended for cancer management but rather addresses post-menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

In hormonal therapy, various methods are employed to suppress or block the secretion of specific hormones, thereby slowing or halting cancer cell proliferation. Oncologists may combine this therapy with radiation or surgery, sometimes administering it before these procedures to shrink tumors and minimize treatment-related side effects. Additionally, hormonal therapy may be used alongside primary treatments to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Types:

The following are different types of Hormonal therapy:

• surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Hormonal Drug therapy

Following are the signs and symptoms before undergoing Hormonal therapy:

In the case of Breast Cancer:

• Lumps in the breast or underarm area
• Changes in breast size or shape

In the case of Prostate Cancer:

• Difficulty urinating or changes in urinary flow
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain in the hips, back, or pelvis

In the case of Ovarian Cancer:

• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Pelvic pain