Why do you require Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy is a systemic procedure which is very useful in breast and prostate cancer.  Administered hormones are not targeted specifically for a single part of the body but travel throughout the body.

Hormone therapy not only helps to treat cancer but also relieves symptoms, especially in people who cannot undergo surgery or radiation therapy. When coupled with other treatments, it decreases the size of cancer and reduces the chances of the reappearance of cancer also.

This therapy is used mainly in Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, and Womb Cancer. The hormones mostly used are estrogen, progesterone or luteinizing hormone blockers.

The benefits of Hormone Therapy

• The therapy helps to relieve the symptoms associated with menopause like hot flashes, night sweet, itchy skin
• Symptoms like vaginal dryness can be prevented
• Hormones reduce the risk of osteoporosis, chances of bone injury, tooth loss
• It helps in elevating the mood and creating a sense of well-being in the patient
• The risk of colon cancer is considerably reduced
• Improvement in the mobility of the joints

Associated Risks

This therapy increases the risk of:

• Blood clots, which eventually increases the risk of stroke
• Gall bladder stone
• Cancer of the endometrium
• Getting dementia

Contra-indication

Hormone therapy should not be administered to the following patients:

• Women having active or recurrent endometrial cancer or a history of breast cancer or vaginal bleeding without any known cause.
• In young women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
• Patients with a history of strokes and blood clots.

Side effects

• Breast tenderness
• Irregular spotting
• Monthly bleeding in women who have reached menopause.
• Fluid retention causing an oedematous condition.
• Headaches which is very severe and sometimes pulsating.
• Skin discoloration causing brown or black spots.
• Increased breast density.
• Irritation of skin.

Lifestyle changes to manage symptoms

• Exercise regularly
• Eat healthy food
• Do not take the stress
• Rest appropriately
• Get enough sleep
• Use correct size innerwear
• Talk to the doctor if you feel any symptom that causes discomfort in your well-being