Treatments that involve the use of hormones or their antagonists are
commonly referred to as hormone therapy or hormonal therapy. Oncologic hormone
therapy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), androgen replacement therapy (ART),
oral contraceptive pills and gender-affirming hormone therapy are the major classes of
hormonal therapy in addition to a few others. Some hormonal therapies will be
discussed in detail under different chapters including oncologic hormone therapy,
glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids and insulin under antineoplastic agents, antiinflammatory steroids and antidiabetic agents, respectively. After studying this chapter,
students will be able to:
• Define and classify hormonal therapy and differentiate between hormonal therapy and
treatment.
• Explain all types of hormone replacement therapy including menopausal, androgens,
and oral contraceptives.
• Discuss the use of androgen replacement therapy (ART) in males with low levels of
testosterone due to disease or aging.
• Describe gender-affirming hormone therapy such as feminizing hormone therapy and
masculinizing hormone therapy.
• Identify appropriate growth hormone therapy for growth hormone deficiency.
• Demonstrate understanding of thyroid hormone replacement in hypothyroidism and
antithyroid therapy in hyperthyroidism.
• Demonstrate clear guidance to the use of oral contraceptive pills for various purposes
including birth control.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Contraceptives, Hormone replacement therapy, Osteoporosis, Thyroid hormone (TH), Thyroid receptor (TR).
