March 5, 2008

Hormone Therapy & Endocrinological Treatments for Breast Cancer

Posted in Category : Women's Health

Environmental exposures such as heat or sunlight at a very young age can lead to breast cancer. Hormones are naturally produced in the body. They control the activities of normal cells. The female hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone may affect growth of breast cancer cells. These hormones are produced naturally by ovaries before menopause.

Hormone therapy for breast cancer is indeed very useful in the treatment of breast cancer. After menopause these hormone are produced in smaller amounts above the kidneys by the glands. It has been scientifically proved that progesterone and oestrogen affect growth of breast cancer cells. This means treatments or drugs that decrease the levels of hormones or block the adverse effects of progesterone and oestrogen can be used in the breast cancer treatment. It has been scientifically proved that tamoxifen significantly increases the survival rates of many women.

Tamoxifen is a very common endocrinological treatment used in hormone therapy of breast cancer. Tamoxifen is generally taken for 5 to 6 years after women are diagnosed with this problem. If for early breast cancer you are undergoing chemotherapy then you will begin chemotherapy once you finish with this treatment. Tamoxifen has immensely contributed to breast cancer treatment. It has been scientifically proved that tamoxifen has significantly increased the survival rates of many women.

Side effects of Endocrinological treatment:

Common side effects include sweats, hot flushes and changes in menstrual periods. Painful joints and tiredness are some of other side effects of Tamoxifen that is used in hormone therapy for breast cancer. A woman who is treated with tamoxifen develops a feeling of being sick. A mild fever may also accompany nausea. Occasional side effects include itching and dryness. You should immediately tell your doctor if you experience these side effects.

Although tamoxifen has side effects, they are temporary and there is no need to worry. This is a relatively a safe drug. That is why many use tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment.