Hormonal Therapy for Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer
Hormones are chemical signals that help the body work well. They can also make certain cancers grow faster and spread farther. Hormonal therapy is used in cancer treatment to control cancer growth.
Hormonal therapy is often used to treat some advanced uterine cancer. Common therapies include:
Progestin—to counter the effects of estrogen
Tamoxifen—to block the effects of estrogen
Aromatase inhibitors—to block the production of estrogen
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists—to lower estrogen levels by blocking the hormonal effects of the ovaries
Common side effects include:
Increasing appetite
Joint and/or muscle pain
Increasing depression
Bone thinning, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis
Treatments can help manage side effects. Medicine, lifestyle changes, and alternative treatments have all shown to be helpful.