Hormonal Therapy | Apollo Hospitals

What is
Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy (or endocrine therapy) is a foundational treatment in hormone-sensitive cancers — most notably hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. These cancers rely on hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone to grow. Hormonal therapy slows or halts tumor progression by either lowering hormone levels in the body or blocking their effect on cancer cells.

At Apollo Athenaa, hormonal therapy is a key part of personalized cancer care, offering patients long-term disease control with a favorable side effect profile and minimal disruption to everyday life.

How the
Treatment Works

At Apollo Athenaa, hormonal therapy is designed with precision to target cancers driven by various hormonal pathways.By focusing on the hormonal signals that allow these tumors to grow, our clinicians use advanced diagnostics to determine exactly which pathway needs to be blocked for the most effective response.

There are two main ways it works:

Blocking hormone receptors on cancer cells, preventing them from receiving growth signals
Reducing the body's hormone production, often through aromatase inhibitors or ovarian suppression in premenopausal women

When Hormonal Therapy
Is Recommended

Hormonal therapy is primarily used in the following settings:

Adjuvant Use

Early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, as adjuvant therapy to prevent recurrence after surgery

Advanced Disease

Advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive cancers, to control disease and prolong survival

Risk Reduction

Preventive therapy in high-risk individuals with strong family history or pre-invasive conditions like DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ)

Combination Approach

Combined with targeted therapies in resistant or high-risk cases

Key
Advantages

Experience the benefits of advanced cancer care tailored to your needs. At Apollo Athenaa, our approach ensures accuracy, comfort, and better treatment outcomes at every step.

Excellent Tolerability

Hormonal therapy is generally associated with fewer and milder side effects than chemotherapy, making it suitable for long-term use.

Oral and Outpatient-Friendly

Most treatments are oral or injectable, allowing patients to continue daily routines without frequent hospital visits.

Durable Disease Control

Especially in early-stage breast cancer, hormonal therapy significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.

Personalized Treatment

Therapy is guided by hormone receptor status and individual risk factors.

Side Effects Of
Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapies are typically well tolerated but may still lead to side effects, particularly with long-term use.

Side effects include:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Vaginal dryness or changes in libido
Mood changes or irritability
Fatigue
Joint stiffness or aches
Decreased bone density or risk of osteoporosis (particularly with aromatase inhibitors)

At Apollo Athenaa, patients on hormonal therapy are monitored regularly through bone density scans, blood tests, and symptom assessments. Supportive measures such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation, physical therapy, or referral to our menopause and bone health clinic help mitigate side effects and maintain quality of life.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, survivorship care plans are created for every woman on hormonal therapy, ensuring that they receive the right monitoring, support, and interventions for long-term health and wellbeing. Long-term follow-up includes:

Regular physical exams and imaging to monitor for recurrence

Periodic assessment of bone health and cardiovascular risk

Ongoing management of menopausal symptoms or quality-of-life concerns

Monitoring for adherence and evaluating duration (commonly 5–10 years of therapy)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if hormonal therapy will work for my type of cancer?

01

Hormonal therapy is effective only for cancers that have hormone receptors. At Apollo Athenaa, every woman undergoes detailed receptor testing and biomarker evaluation to confirm whether their tumor is hormone-driven. This ensures that hormonal therapy is offered only when it is likely to benefit you.

Does hormonal therapy affect fertility or menstrual cycles?

02

Hormonal therapy can temporarily alter menstrual cycles or induce early menopause, especially in younger women or those undergoing ovarian suppression. At Apollo Athenaa, fertility specialists work alongside oncologists to plan preservation strategies and counsel you on what to expect before starting treatment.

Are the side effects permanent?

03

Most side effects like hot flashes, joint discomfort, or mood changes are manageable and often improve with time or supportive care. The team at Athenaa includes endocrinologists, physiotherapists, and women’s health counsellors who help minimize discomfort and maintain quality of life throughout treatment.

How long will I need to be on hormonal therapy?

04

Treatment duration varies between 5 to 10 years depending on cancer stage, menopausal status, and individual recurrence risk. At Athenaa, your care plan is reassessed regularly, ensuring you stay on the most effective regimen for the right duration without overtreatment.

Will hormonal therapy affect my bone health?

05

Certain medications can lead to bone thinning over time. At Apollo Athenaa, baseline bone density scans and periodic monitoring are part of routine care. Preventive strategies, including calcium, vitamin D, lifestyle guidance, and bone-strengthening medicines when needed, are incorporated early.

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Advanced Hormonal Therapy, Personalized for Womenat Apollo Athenaa

Advanced Hormonal Therapy,
Personalized for Women
at Apollo Athenaa