Hormone therapy

How is hormone therapy done for breast cancer?

In fact, when we say “hormone therapy” we read drugs with an anti-hormone effect. Hormone therapy can be done in three ways:

Medication: through the administration of drugs that inhibit the production or prevent the action of female sex hormones. These drugs can be administered orally and by subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. In general, oral hormones are given daily. Injectable hormones are usually administered monthly or quarterly. Occasionally, a combination of an injectable and an oral hormone can be used in women who are not menopausal. Drug hormone therapy is the most frequently used form of breast cancer.

Surgical: through the surgical removal of the ovaries. This method is used more rarely.

Radiotherapy: through irradiation of the ovaries. Currently, this form of hormone therapy has been seldom used.

Does the fact that I have breast cancer mean I need hormone therapy?

Not. Not all breast tumors are stimulated by female sex hormones. Therefore, it is very important to carry out research for the presence of hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone). In cases where hormone receptors are present, hormone therapy may be indicated. In addition to hormone therapy, breast cancer treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and molecular targeting drugs. Hormone therapy can be used alone or in combination with these forms of treatment.

How is hormone therapy done for prostate cancer?

Hormone therapy (read: anti-hormonal therapy) for prostate cancer can be done in two ways:

Surgical: By removing the testicles.

Medication: through the administration of drugs that inhibit the production or prevent the action of male sex hormones. These drugs can be administered orally and by intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. In general, oral hormones are given daily. Injectable hormones are usually administered monthly or quarterly. Occasionally, a combination of an injectable and an oral hormone can also be used.

Does the fact that I have prostate cancer mean I need hormone therapy?

Not. In addition to hormone therapy, treatment for prostate cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, and, less often, chemotherapy. Hormone therapy can be used alone or in combination with these forms of treatment. The decision on the use of hormone therapy depends on several factors, including the extent of the disease, the blood level of PSA, the characteristics of the tumor cells in the microscopic analysis and the other treatment modalities to be used for the case in question.

Does hormone therapy interfere with sexuality?

Yes, most of the time. Among the expected side effects are reduced libido, sexual impotence and vaginal dryness. It is essential to talk to your doctor to alleviate these adverse symptoms.