Hormones are chemical signals that help the body work well. They can also make some cancers grow faster and spread. These hormonal therapies are used to control severe uterine cancer.
- Progestin—to block the action of estrogen
- Tamoxifen—to block the action of estrogen
- Aromatase inhibitors—to block the body from making estrogen
- Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists—to lower estrogen levels by blocking the hormonal actions of the ovaries
Problems may be:
- Night sweats
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Fluid buildup
- Hunger
- Joint and muscle pain
- Depression
- Bone thinning
- Blood clots
References
Endometrial cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Endometrial-Cancer. Updated February 2019. Accessed February 26, 2020.
Endometrial cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/endometrial-cancer . Updated October 21, 2019. Accessed February 26, 2020.
Endometrial cancer. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gynecology-and-obstetrics/gynecologic-tumors/endometrial-cancer. Updated February 2019. Accessed February 26, 2020.
Hormone therapy for endometrial cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/endometrial-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html. Updated March 27, 2019. Accessed February 26, 2020.
Renaud MC, Le T, et al. Epidemiology and investigations for suspected endometrial cancer. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2018 Sep;40(9):e703.
Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/uterine/patient/endometrial-treatment-pdq#section/%5F131. Updated June 12, 2019. Accessed February 26, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 11/2019
- Update Date: 01/26/2021