Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy works by supplementing or modifying the levels of hormones in the body to address hormonal imbalances or deficiencies. The specific mechanisms of action of hormone therapy depend on the type of hormone being used and the condition being treated. Here are some general ways in which hormone therapy may work:

Supplementing deficient hormones

Hormone therapy involves providing additional hormones to the body to compensate for hormonal deficiencies.

Blocking or inhibiting hormone activity

For certain types of cancers that are hormone-sensitive, medications may be used to block the receptors that hormones like estrogen or testosterone bind to, thereby inhibiting their effects on cancer cells and slowing down their growth.

Modulating Hormone Production

In hormone therapy for thyroid disorders, medications may be used to stimulate or suppress the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, depending on the specific condition being treated.

Regulating Hormone Feedback Loops

Hormone therapy may also target the feedback loops that regulate hormone production and release in the body. When managing delayed or precocious puberty, hormones may be used to regulate the feedback loops that control the release of sex hormones, helping to normalize the timing of puberty.