hormone therapy

noun

: the therapeutic use of hormones: such as
a
: the administration of hormones especially to increase diminished levels in the body
b
: therapy involving the use of drugs or surgical procedures to suppress the production of or to inhibit the effects of a hormone (such as estrogen or testosterone)
hormone therapy to treat breast or prostate cancer
c
: the administration or use of sex hormones (such as estrogen or testosterone) or other agents (such as antiandrogens) to suppress or induce the development of certain secondary sex characteristics to better align with the gender identity of a transgender or gender nonconforming individual
Many transgender people take lifelong hormone therapyCarina Storrs

Examples of hormone therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Miller doesn’t expect a sudden rise in trans players in the WNBA, citing the challenges presented by hormone therapy — including a slower recovery time for those who undergo the treatment — among the factors. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026 The subpoena seeks QueerDoc's personnel files, billing documents, communications with drug manufacturers and records of patients who were prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy, among other information, according to the 9th Circuit decision. ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 The subpoena seeks QueerDoc’s personnel files, billing documents, communications with drug manufacturers and records of patients who were prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapy, among other information, according to the 9th Circuit decision. Sudhin Thanawala, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026 Recent research indicates that menopausal hormone therapy may offer greater benefits when started during or shortly after menopause, the researchers noted. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hormone therapy

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hormone therapy was in 1914

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Cite this Entry

“Hormone therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hormone%20therapy. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

Medical Definition

hormone therapy

noun
variants or hormonal therapy
: the therapeutic use of hormones: as
a
: the administration of hormones especially to increase diminished levels in the body
b
: therapy involving the use of drugs or surgical procedures to suppress the production of or inhibit the effects of a hormone (as estrogen or testosterone)
hormone therapy to treat breast or prostate cancer
c
: the administration or use of sex hormones or other agents (as antiandrogens) to suppress or induce the development of certain secondary sex characteristics to better align with the gender identity of an individual
Many transgender people take lifelong hormone therapyCarina Storrs
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