Hormone Therapy
What is hormone therapy?
Some cancers grow due to hormones, such as breast or prostate cancer. Hormone therapy may be used as a part of treatment for those cancers, with or without other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.
Going through treatment can be a very difficult experience not only for patients but for their families as well. Remember, you are never alone when receiving care at Baptist. Our nurse navigators are there for you every step of the way from diagnosis to follow-up care offering education, care coordination, counseling and connecting patients to community resources.
How does hormone therapy work?
The National Cancer Institute breaks down the uses of hormone therapy into two groups: to treat cancer or to ease cancer symptoms. Hormone therapy may block how the body produces hormones or affect how hormones work in the body.
How is hormone therapy administered?
Depending on the therapy and where the cancer is located, your treatment may be administered in one or more of these ways.
Orally
Hormone therapy is delivered as a pill or capsule – and is taken just as you do other medicines.
Intramuscular
The hormone therapy is injected into a muscle (as a shot). This delivery method is administered in one of our cancer care facilities by a trained and experienced staff.
Surgery
Organs that produce hormones may be surgically removed, such as the testicles in men, or the ovaries in women.
What are common side effects of hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy side effects vary based on the cancer and type of hormone therapy given. Other treatments used in combination with hormone therapy may also impact what side effects occur. Possible side effects may include:
- Hot flashes
- Weakened bones or osteopenia/osteoporosis
- Sexual dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in your period
- Mood changes
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Tender or enlarged breasts
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
As with any treatment, having open communication with your provider is extremely important. Tell your doctor about any side effects when they start, no matter how severe they are, so that your provider can come alongside you to determine what can help with side effects, or if any adjustments need to be made.
Learn More About Our Cancer Care Services
In addition to hormone therapy treatment, Baptist Cancer Center offers a wide range of cancer treatment services. Whether you or a loved one needs genetic counseling, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, palliative care or another form of cancer support, we serve the Mid-South with close-to-home care. Learn more about our cancer services now.
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