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.
Chemotherapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy may also come into play during treatment. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Typically, doctors treat DCIS with partial or full breast removal surgery, sometimes followed by radiation or hormone therapy to lower future risk. Dr. Cyrus Mowdawalla, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2025 For two decades, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study discouraged many from pursuing hormone therapy—leaving an entire generation to suffer in silence. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 10 Oct. 2025 While employer support is still low, fewer than 5% offer meaningful programs, more companies are adding improved coverage for hormone therapy, paid time off and even regulating the office thermostat. Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025 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 Oct. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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