Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy (from the Greek hormonos - “stimulant”, “setting in motion”) is the use of hormones and their synthetic analogues for the treatment of various diseases. Hormones are biologically active substances that are produced by the endocrine glands and regulate metabolism in the body.

Hormones can be either natural or synthetic. Natural hormones are produced in the human body, and synthetic analogues are obtained by chemical synthesis or biotechnologically.

There are several types of hormone therapy that are used in medicine:

1. Hormone therapy is treatment with hormones that are secreted from the endocrine glands. For example, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone, etc.
2. Antihormonal therapy is the use of drugs that block the action of hormones that cause the disease. For example, antiestrogens, antiandrogens, etc.
3. Hormone replacement therapy is the replacement of missing hormones in the body with artificial analogues. For example, hormone replacement therapy for menopause.
4. Hormone-modulating therapy is the regulation of hormone levels in the body using medications. For example, the use of aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer.

Each type of hormone therapy has its own indications and contraindications, so before starting treatment you should consult your doctor.

Today we will look at one of the most important issues of modern medicine - hormone therapy. This is a disease treatment technology based on the use of hormones. Hormonal treatment is aimed at normalizing the body’s hormonal system, which helps solve health problems.

Hormones are biologically active substances that regulate many functions and processes in the body. They are produced by endocrine glands such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas and others.

Lack or excess of hormones can lead to serious diseases such as diabetes, obesity, problems with the heart and other organs. To treat such problems, doctors use hormone therapy - it helps balance hormone production and maintain the health of the body.

Depending on the disease, the doctor may prescribe hormonal medications or the use of implants containing hormones. Some medications can be given by injection, while others can be taken orally. The duration of hormone therapy can vary significantly - from several weeks to several months and even years.

One example of the use of hormone therapy is the treatment of breast cancer. With this disease, excessive production of hormones occurs, so for treatment it is necessary to block or compensate for them. Medicines called "estrogen antagonists" are often prescribed to block the action of the hormone estrogen, which causes breast cancer.

Also, hormone therapy can be used to treat various types of infertility when the causes are not clear. It may include hormone injections, suppositories, pills and implants. One of the advantages of this method is the rapid onset of pregnancy after treatment. Also, this method is used to treat hirsutism - excess hair growth on the face, chest and legs.