Hormone therapy or hormonal therapy is a very common medical treatment, which uses hormones. It can be used in various treatments such as:
- Cancer treatment
- Cure the symptoms of menopause
- For testosterone replacement in males
- For hypothyroidism treatment
- Growth hormone treatment
- Sex reassignment therapy etc.
Symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, reduced sexual drive, sleep disorders, hot flashes and vaginal dryness etc. can be treated using one or more female hormone through hormone therapy. Injections, patch, tablets, vaginal cream, ring, pills etc. can be used to administer hormone therapy. Osteoporosis caused due to low level of estrogen hormone during the menopause can also be prevented through hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy is not that simple and it may increase the risk for developing heart diseases, blood cancer, stroke, blood clots etc. The method of hormone therapy may vary according to the individual. It will be based on the medical history as well as physical fitness of the individual. Right method can be chosen by the doctor after a complete analysis.
There can be side effects with all the medications and medical procedures. Some of the side effects of hormonal therapy are:
- Headache
- Mood swings
- Water retention
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Breast soreness etc.
Changing the dose and type of hormonal therapy can help in reducing these side effects. Hormone therapy requires regular checkups with the doctor. Unusual symptoms and discomforts should be reported in order to prevent further complications.