What is Hormone Therapy for Cancer?
Hormone therapy, also known as endocrine therapy, is a form of cancer treatment that slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors. These tumors grow in response to hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Hormone therapy for cancer works by either lowering the levels of these hormones or blocking them from acting on cancer cells. It is often used alongside other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
This approach is commonly used in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, prostate cancer, and certain gynecologic cancers. While it doesn't cure cancer alone, it significantly increases survival rates, reduces recurrence risk, and helps manage symptoms.
What are the Different Types of Hormone Therapies?
Hormone therapy for cancer treatment comes in various forms, depending on the type of cancer and the patient's unique needs:
Hormone Therapy for Women (Breast and Ovarian Cancer)
Certain medications and drugs can block estrogen receptors or reduce estrogen production, helping prevent cancer growth in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer (Hormone Therapy for Men)
Prostate cancer growth is driven by testosterone. Treatment options include LHRH agonists, anti-androgens, and orchiectomy (surgical removal of testicles) to reduce testosterone levels.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
For some women, particularly post-menopausal women, hormone therapy can also be used to replace estrogen and progesterone levels, although this type of hormone therapy is generally not used in cancer treatment.
When Should I Consult the Doctor for Hormone Therapy?
Early consultation ensures the best outcomes and minimizes the risk of complications. Additionally, if your cancer has not responded well to other therapies, or if the doctor is exploring ways to prevent cancer recurrence, hormone therapy may be considered. Get in touch with an oncologist or specialist in vase of the following:
You've been diagnosed with a hormone-sensitive cancer
You're exploring options to prevent cancer recurrence
You're experiencing hormone-related symptoms post-treatment
You're considering menopausal hormone therapy and have a cancer history
Who are the Ideal Candidates for Hormone Therapy?
The most suitable candidates for hormone therapy for cancer include:
Patients diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive cancers
Individuals with early-stage or metastatic breast or prostate cancer
Patients who cannot undergo surgery or chemotherapy due to other conditions
Individuals undergoing adjuvant therapy to prevent cancer recurrence
The doctor will likely conduct tests to evaluate hormone receptor status before recommending this treatment.
Book an appointment with our expert hormone therapy specialists in Gurgaon.
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Who Should not Consider Hormone Therapy?
Not everyone is a good candidate for hormone therapy. There are clear contraindications for hormone therapy, including:
Patients with hormone receptor-negative cancers
Individuals with a history of blood clots or stroke
People with severe liver dysfunction
Women with high breast cancer risk considering hormone replacement therapy
Pregnant women
How Can I Prepare for Hormone Therapy for Cancer?
Preparing for hormone therapy for cancer involves more than just receiving a prescription. It requires a comprehensive understanding of your diagnosis and personalized planning. Since hormone therapy works by altering hormone levels or blocking hormone receptors, it’s crucial to ensure that your body is in the best possible state to handle these changes.
Preparation helps minimize potential risks, manage expectations, and improve the therapy’s overall effectiveness. Below are the key parameters patients should address before starting hormone therapy:
Confirm Hormone Receptor Status
The first step is determining whether your cancer is hormone-sensitive. The oncologists perform a biopsy or lab tests to check for hormone receptors (estrogen, progesterone, or androgen receptors). Hormone therapy is only effective in cancers that express these receptors.
Reviewing Medical History
The oncologist will evaluate your complete medical history to identify any contraindications for hormone therapy, such as a history of blood clots, liver disease, or stroke. This step helps personalise the therapy to avoid potential complications.
Medication and Supplement Disclosure
Inform the doctor about any current medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Some may interact with hormone therapy drugs, reducing their efficacy or increasing side effects.
Fertility Preservation (For Younger Patients)
If you are of reproductive age and wish to have children in the future, discuss fertility preservation options such as egg or sperm freezing before beginning treatment, as hormone therapy can impact fertility.
Mental Health and Emotional Preparedness
Since hormone therapy can cause mood swings, anxiety, or depression, it's important to assess your mental health beforehand. Counseling or support groups can be helpful both before and during therapy.
Baseline Diagnostic Tests
Doctors may recommend tests like blood panels, bone density scans, or liver function tests to monitor how your body responds over time and detect side effects early.
Begin incorporating healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. These can enhance your body’s resilience during therapy and help manage hormone therapy side effects more effectively.
What Happens During Hormone Therapy for Cancer?
Hormone therapy for cancer is a personalized treatment that targets the body’s hormone production or hormone receptors to slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors. The way hormone therapy is performed depends on the type of cancer, your age, hormone receptor status, and overall health. Hormone therapy can be administered in various ways:
Oral Medications
Oral hormone therapy is the most common and convenient method, particularly used in breast and prostate cancers. Patients are prescribed pills to take daily, often over several years, as part of long-term cancer management. For breast cancer, medications are used to block estrogen receptors in cancer cells, while aromatase inhibitors are used to reduce estrogen production in postmenopausal women.
In prostate cancer, oral antiandrogens block testosterone from binding to cancer cells. Since these medications are taken at home, doctors advise adhering to the daily schedule and is crucial for effectiveness. Patients are monitored regularly for hormone therapy side effects such as hot flashes, fatigue, mood changes, or joint pain.
Injections For Hormone Blockers
Injectable hormone therapy is another widely used method, especially for prostate cancer and certain gynecological cancers. These injections are typically administered in a hospital or clinic setting, either intramuscularly (into the muscle) or subcutaneously (under the skin).
Medicines signal the body to stop producing sex hormones like estrogen or testosterone. These are known as LHRH agonists or GnRH agonists, and their frequency varies—some are given monthly, others quarterly. Injections are often used in combination with other therapies and may be adjusted based on how well the cancer responds. Side effects may include injection site pain, hot flashes, decreased libido, and bone thinning.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical intervention is necessary where long-term hormone suppression is necessary, or when medications are not suitable. This involves the removal of hormone-producing organs through procedures such as oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries in women) or orchiectomy (removal of the testicles in men).
These surgeries result in an immediate and permanent drop in hormone levels, making them an effective option for patients with high-risk or advanced cancers that are strongly hormone-dependent.
While surgery can eliminate the need for ongoing medication, it also triggers sudden hormonal changes that can lead to intense menopausal or andropausal symptoms. Emotional and psychological support is often recommended post-surgery, along with long-term monitoring for health effects such as bone loss or cardiovascular changes.
What to Expect After Hormone Therapy for Cancer?
Post-treatment experiences vary from one individual to another. While hormone therapy is generally less intense than chemotherapy or radiation, it still brings significant physiological and emotional changes, especially because it alters hormone levels that regulate many bodily functions. The oncologist monitors cancer progression, hormone levels, bone health, liver function, and other vital indicators to ensure the therapy remains effective and safe.
Depending on your age, the type of cancer treated, the form of hormone therapy used, and your general health, patients after hormone therapy may experience some side effects such as:
Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings or depression
Weight gain
Fatigue
Sexual dysfunction (e.g., vaginal dryness in women, erectile issues in men)
Bone thinning or osteoporosis
Menstrual changes or induced menopause in women
Loss of muscle mass or breast tenderness in men
These symptoms can be mild or significant, and management strategies—such as medications, lifestyle adjustments, or counseling are often part of your care plan.
What are the Advantages of Hormone Therapy for Cancer?
Hormone therapy (also called endocrine therapy) can be a very effective treatment for certain types of cancer, particularly those that are hormone-sensitive, like breast and prostate cancer. Here are the main advantages:
Targets Cancer Growth Mechanisms
Some cancers depend on hormones (like estrogen or testosterone) to grow. Hormone therapy can block these hormones or stop their production, slowing or stopping tumor growth.
Non-Invasive Treatment Option
Hormone therapy is often administered via pills, injections, or implants, making it less invasive than surgery or radiation.
Can Be Used With Other Treatments
Often used in combination with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to increase overall effectiveness, particularly in breast and prostate cancers.
Effective in Reducing Recurrence
In early-stage hormone-sensitive cancers, hormone therapy can reduce the risk of recurrence after initial treatment.
Slows Progression in Advanced Cancers
In metastatic or advanced cancer, it may help slow progression and manage symptoms, improving quality of life.
Side effects exist but are generally milder than with chemotherapy (though this varies by individual and specific drugs used).
Get advanced hormone therapy in Gurgaon for personalized treatment, improved outcomes, and expert endocrine care.
Possible Risks Associated With Hormone Therapy for Cancer:
While effective, hormone therapy carries some risks:
Increased risk of blood clots and stroke
Bone density loss, especially in women
Mood disorders and cognitive changes
Reduced libido or erectile dysfunction in men
Endometrial cancer risk
Hormone replacement therapy side effects, though related, differ when used for menopausal symptom relief rather than cancer treatment.
What are the Recovery Tips After Hormone Therapy for Cancer?
Recovery after hormone therapy for cancer focuses on managing side effects, maintaining physical health, and addressing emotional well-being. While the recovery process can vary depending on the individual and the specific type of cancer and hormone therapy, here are some general recovery tips to help manage side effects and promote healing:
Since hormone therapy can impact bone density, it’s important to eat foods rich in calcium (like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milks) and vitamin D (such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods) to support bone strength.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps support overall health, energy levels, and immune function.
Stay hydrated, especially if you’re experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, or fatigue, as dehydration can worsen these symptoms.
Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and strength training help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Exercise can improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve mood by boosting the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones).
Strength training also helps reduce the muscle aches and joint pain that some patients experience during hormone therapy.
Manage Side Effects
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Try to keep cool by dressing in layers, using fans, and staying in a cool environment. Drinking cool water and wearing moisture-wicking clothing can also help. For more severe symptoms, speak with your doctor about medications or other therapies that might help.
Joint Pain and Muscle Aches
Gentle stretching, yoga, or physical therapy may help with muscle or joint pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (with a doctor’s approval) can provide relief.
Mood Swings or Depression
Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, like hobbies, socializing, or mindfulness exercises. Talking to a counselor or support group can also be helpful in managing emotional challenges.
Regular bone density tests are essential for detecting early signs of osteoporosis, which can result from hormone therapy. If necessary, your doctor may recommend bone-strengthening medications or additional dietary supplements. Weight-bearing exercises (such as walking, weightlifting, or dancing) help maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
Some forms of hormone therapy can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues. To support heart health:
Eat a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fats and cholesterol, high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
Stay active by exercising regularly, as physical activity improves circulation and cardiovascular health.
Keep track of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels with regular check-ups.
Hormone therapy can lead to weight gain in some patients. Eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage weight and improve overall well-being. Focus on a healthy weight loss approach, which combines a nutrient-rich diet with exercise, rather than drastic dieting.
For both men and women, hormone therapy can cause sexual dysfunction or vaginal dryness. Consider using lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, or medications to help with these issues.
For men, erectile dysfunction is common, so it’s important to discuss potential treatments with an oncologist.
Talking openly with your partner and your healthcare provider about these changes can help maintain intimacy and emotional closeness.
Regular Medical Check-Ups
Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are crucial to track your progress, manage any long-term side effects, and detect any recurrence of cancer early.
Depending on the type of hormone therapy, your doctor may recommend routine blood tests, bone density scans, or other screenings to monitor potential side effects.
Contact Artemis Hospital for Effective Hormone Therapy for Cancer in Gurgaon
At Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, our oncology experts provide tailored hormone therapy plans based on the latest evidence. Whether you are facing breast, prostate, or gynecologic cancer, our advanced diagnostics and experienced multidisciplinary team ensure you receive safe, effective, and compassionate care.
To book an appointment with some of the best oncologists in Gurgaon at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 959-928-5476. Appointments can also be scheduled through the online patient portal or by downloading the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices.
Reviewed By Dr. Priya Tiwari
Head - Oncology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hormone therapy used for in cancer treatment?
Hormone therapy is used to treat hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer by blocking or reducing hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Can hormone therapy cure cancer?
While hormone therapy may not cure cancer, it can significantly reduce cancer growth and prevent recurrence in some patients.
Are there any long-term side effects of hormone therapy?
Long-term side effects may include bone thinning, increased risk of cardiovascular issues, and mood changes.
Is hormone therapy only for women?
No, hormone therapy is also used for men, particularly in treating prostate cancer, which is influenced by testosterone.
How long does hormone therapy for cancer last?
Hormone therapy can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the type of cancer and individual treatment plans.
Can hormone therapy cause weight gain?
Some people may experience weight gain due to hormonal changes, but this varies from person to person.
Does hormone therapy affect fertility?
In some cases, hormone therapy can affect fertility, especially in women, as it may stop ovulation.
Can I work while undergoing hormone therapy?
Many people can continue working during hormone therapy, though fatigue and side effects may affect your energy levels.
Who is the best oncologist near me for hormone therapy in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospitals has some of the best oncologists in Gurgaon who offer advanced hormone therapy for cancer in Gurgaon with a high success rate. To know more, get in touch with us.
Are there alternatives to hormone therapy for cancer treatment?
Yes, alternatives include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
