hormone therapy

noun

: the therapeutic use of hormones: such as

a

: the administration of hormones especially to increase diminished levels in the body

especially : hormone replacement therapy

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 therapy …

—Carina Storrs

Examples of hormone therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, in prostate cancer, AI tests now have the capability to analyze digital biopsy images and patient clinical data to identify those who would benefit from hormone therapy. —Andre Esteva, TIME, 10 July 2024

After the ban, Spektrum Health temporarily paused hormone therapy at its Orlando clinic and permanently closed a second location in Brevard County. —Caroline Catherman, Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2024

In regard to hormone therapy (HT), Dr. Pathak notes that there are mixed findings on whether or not hormone therapy (HT) significantly alters the cardiovascular responses of postmenopausal women to heat, specifically regarding the heart function and blood flow necessary for body cooling. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 18 June 2024

Among them: antidepressants, hormone therapy, diabetes medications, steroids, and beta blockers. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 14 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

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

especially : hormone replacement therapy

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 therapy …

—Carina Storrs