Antihormone therapy

Antihormone therapy is a type of medical treatment that involves the use of drugs or surgery to block or suppress the production of certain hormones. This therapy is often used in the treatment of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, as well as other conditions that are influenced by hormones.

Overview

Antihormone therapy works by interfering with the body's ability to produce or use hormones. This can be achieved through various methods, including the use of drugs that block hormone receptors, drugs that inhibit the production of hormones, or surgery to remove the glands that produce hormones.

Types of Antihormone Therapy

There are several types of antihormone therapy, including:

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): These drugs block the effects of estrogen in certain tissues, such as the breast, and are often used in the treatment of breast cancer.

• Aromatase inhibitors: These drugs inhibit the enzyme aromatase, which is involved in the production of estrogen. They are often used in the treatment of postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

• Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): This therapy involves the use of drugs or surgery to reduce the levels of androgens, such as testosterone, in the body. It is often used in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Side Effects

Like all medical treatments, antihormone therapy can have side effects. These can vary depending on the specific type of therapy used, but may include hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, bone loss, and mood changes.

See Also

• Hormone therapy
• Cancer treatment
• Endocrinology