What is hormone therapy and what is it used for?
Hormone therapy for breast cancer is a treatment that blocks or lowers the levels of hormones, such as estrogen or progesterone, to prevent them from fueling the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells. It is typically used for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), meaning they grow in response to hormones.
Hormone therapy can help to:
- Prevent cancer from coming back
- Reduce the size of a cancer prior to surgery
- Slow or stop the growth of cancer that has spread
- Decrease the risk of cancer developing in other breast tissue
What are side effects of hormone therapy?
Side effects of hormone therapy are different for each medication. Side effects for the most common medicines include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal discharge
- Irregular periods
- Fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
What should I expect during hormone therapy?
While you are taking hormone therapy for breast cancer, you will meet with your provider regularly for follow-up visits to discuss any side effects you are experiencing. Depending on your situation, your provider may order tests to watch for cancer recurrence or progression during hormone therapy. Your treatment plan will be personalized based on factors like menopausal status, cancer stage and receptor type.