Hormone Therapy for Cancer in United States

Hormone therapy involves taking medication that prevents cancer cells from getting the hormones they need in order to grow, which may be given orally (in pills that you swallow) or injected into a muscle in your hip, thigh, arm, leg, or belly. Some frequently used hormone therapy drugs are abiraterone, anastrozole, exemestane, fulvestrant, letrozole, leuprolide, and tamoxifen. In some cases, your doctor may also remove the gland responsible for hormone production with surgery.

Your length of stay depends on how many cycles are needed for your specific case. During your hormone therapy, you will need to meet your oncologist regularly for follow-up visits to see how your body is responding to the medications.

You may be able to resume your normal activities and work the next day after you receive the hormone medications or when you do not feel any symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activities. If you undergo surgery to remove the gland responsible for hormone production, you may need to take 4 weeks off work and avoid any strenuous activities, such as intense exercise, for 6 to 8 weeks.

Your doctor will give you aftercare instructions, which involve diet, exercise, and restrictions. You will need to attend regular follow-up checkups after your hormone therapy is complete to discuss ways of reducing and treating side effects as well as to watch for cancer recurrence. 

Hormone therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence if performed along with other cancer treatments. It is also effective way to put cancer patients in remission, however, the treatment has some side effect and risks, such as hot flashes, fatigue, nausea, joint or muscle pain, blood clots, cataracts, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction (in men), as well as vaginal irritation, vaginal discharge, and vaginal dryness (in women).

Other cancer treatments, such as surgery, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and chemotherapy can be your alternative options. Discuss with your doctor the best choice for your specific condition.