Hormone Therapy for Cancer

Hormone therapy slows or stops cancers that use hormones to grow by blocking hormone signals or lowering hormone levels.

It is a whole-body treatment, also called endocrine therapy. It may be given as a tablet, injection or, in selected situations, an operation that changes hormone production. Your cancer team chooses the approach after reviewing the tumour type, hormone-receptor results, stage and other health conditions.

Treatment usually starts with a review of pathology and medicines, followed by a discussion of the planned drug and schedule. Some people take a daily tablet; others receive an injection at clinic visits. Treatment can be used after surgery to reduce the chance of cancer returning, before another treatment, or to control cancer that has spread.

Common effects reflect lower or blocked hormone activity and can include hot flushes, sweating, tiredness, mood changes, joint or muscle discomfort and sexual or menstrual changes. Tell the team about symptoms that interfere with daily life because dose timing, supportive care or a different medicine may help.

Seek prompt medical advice for unusual vaginal bleeding, sudden chest pain or breathlessness, one-sided leg swelling, severe headache, weakness or new vision changes. The exact warning signs depend on the medicine and your medical history.

Hormone therapy can slow hormone-sensitive cancer and may keep it controlled for a period that varies between people. It does not work for every tumour, and benefit is assessed through symptoms, examination, blood tests or scans when appropriate. Your clinician can explain what response or stability would mean in your treatment plan.

The treatment is selected according to hormone receptors, not simply the organ where cancer began. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without speaking with the oncology team, even if side effects have improved or you feel well.

It is considered when testing shows a tumour is hormone-sensitive. It is commonly discussed for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and some womb cancers, and may have a role in ductal carcinoma in situ, endometrial hyperplasia or cancer that has spread. The treatment decision is individual; a receptor result and overall health both matter.

First, the team confirms the diagnosis and receptor findings. Next, you receive instructions for the medicine, including timing and missed doses. At follow-up visits, they review symptoms, examine you when needed and decide whether to continue, adjust or change treatment. Keep a current list of medicines and report new symptoms early.

Most hormone therapy is given outside hospital, so daily routines may continue with adjustments for tiredness, hot flushes or joint symptoms. Follow-up continues while treatment is active and may continue afterward. Ask about movement, bone health, contraception or fertility where relevant to your medicine.

Risks vary by drug and may include effects on bones, blood vessels, the womb, liver or sexual health. The team weighs these against the expected cancer benefit and your personal history. Report bleeding, clot symptoms, severe pain or a marked change in mood promptly.

Depending on the cancer, alternatives or complementary treatments may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or another targeted medicine. Read about [Chemotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/chemotherapy/) and discuss how options fit together.

Look for an oncology team experienced with your cancer type and hormone therapy. Take pathology reports, scan results and a medicine list to the appointment. Ask who to contact outside clinic hours and how side effects will be monitored.