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Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by endocrine glands and travel via the bloodstream to various tissues and organs in the body. They perform a wide range of functions, including metabolism, growth, mood control, and reproduction. The major endocrine glands in the human body are the pituitary and pineal glands in the brain, the thyroid and thymus glands in the neck and chest, the pancreas and adrenal glands in the abdomen, the testes in men, and the ovaries in women.
Regulation of hormone levels in the body is essential because hormones are very powerful chemicals. Tiny amounts of hormones can cause big changes in the organs or the whole body. Doctors can measure hormone levels in the blood, urine, or saliva with laboratory tests. They can also treat various health conditions by manipulating hormones.
The goal of hormone treatment can be to supplement certain hormones that the body is not making in sufficient quantities to function properly. The goal of hormone therapy can also be to block certain hormones that are causing or worsening a disease, for example, cancer. Hormone therapy is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid abnormalities, menopausal symptoms, infertility, growth disorders, and high blood pressure.
Medications for Hormone Treatment
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) increase the levels of testosterone and decrease the levels of dihydrotestosterone. They are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia).
Adrenal cortical steroids are of two types – glucocorticoids which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and mineralocorticoids which regulate salt and water in the body. Steroids are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including allergies, asthma, arthritis, dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, adrenal insufficiency, and Addison’s disease.
Anti-androgens are medications that counteract the effects of male sex hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone). In men, they are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness. In women, they are used to treat hirsutism (excess facial hair), acne, and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods). Examples include bicalutamide (Casodex), enzalutamide (Xtandi), and darolutamide (Nubeqa).
Antidiuretic hormone increases the reabsorption of water from the kidneys and narrows the blood vessels. It is used to treat medical conditions such as diabetes type 1, bleeding esophageal varices, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, nocturia (nighttime urination), and primary nocturnal enuresis (inability to control urination at night). An example is desmopressin (DDAVP, Noctiva).
Anti-gonadotropic agents like danazol are used to inhibit the activity of gonadotropin hormones (hormones that stimulate the gonads or sex glands – the testes and ovaries). They are used to treat conditions like fibrocystic breast disease and endometriosis.
Anti-thyroid agents like potassium iodide (Pima, Iostat) and sodium iodide I-131 (Hicon) suppress the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the body. They are used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Thyroid drugs are used to supplement low thyroid levels in people with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Examples include levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl) and thyroid desiccated (Armour Thyroid).
Aromatase inhibitors are a group of medications that block an enzyme called aromatase which is needed to convert androgens to estrogen. They are used to reduce circulating estrogen levels in patients with certain types of breast cancer. Examples include letrozole (Femara), exemestane (Aromasin), and anastrozole (Arimidex).
Calcimimetics are drugs that reduce the levels of parathyroid hormone and calcium in the blood. They are used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and hypercalcemia of malignancy (high calcium levels in the blood found in certain cancers). Examples include cinacalcet (Sensipar) and etelcalcetide (Parsabiv).
Estrogen receptor antagonists like fulvestrant (Faslodex) inhibit the action of estrogen. They are used to treat certain types of estrogen-sensitive breast cancers.
Insulin-like growth factors (mecasermin, brand name Increlex) are used to treat growth failure in children.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists like degarelix (Firmagon) and elagolix (Orilissa) reduce testosterone levels. They are used to treat many types of prostate cancer in men. They are also used during fertility treatment in women.
Oral contraceptive pills contain the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. They are primarily used to prevent pregnancy but can also be used to treat irregular menstruation, period pain, uterine fibroids, and menstrual migraines. Combined estrogen-progesterone pills are FDA-approved for the treatment of acne.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of hormone treatment medications. There are several other classes of medications used for hormone therapy. The above list does, however, demonstrate the wide-ranging effects of hormones in the human body and how they can be used to treat various medical conditions.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Hormone Therapy
Medications that manipulate hormones in the human body are prescription drugs and should be taken under a doctor’s supervision. However, certain OTC supplements are available to manage symptoms associated with hormonal conditions like menopause. It is always a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider before taking any non-prescription, herbal, over-the-counter therapies because they can interfere with prescription treatment.
Common Side Effects of Hormone Treatment Medications
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Reduced libido, impotence, ejaculation disorder, and gynecomastia (male breast enlargement).
Adrenal cortical steroids: High blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, fluid retention, increased risk of infections, mood changes, upset stomach, muscle weakness, and puffy face.
Anti-androgens: Osteoporosis, hot flashes, infertility, sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, reduced libido), fatigue, depression, and anemia.
Antidiuretic hormone: Nausea, diarrhea, stomachache, headache, and facial flushing.
Antigonadotropic agents: Acne, oily skin, sweating, flushing, vaginal dryness or itching, weight gain, decrease in breast size.
Antithyroid agents: Rash, fever, itching, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, muscle aches, and headache.
Thyroid drugs: Headache, muscle weakness, leg cramps, trouble sleeping, rash, hair loss, and diarrhea.
Aromatase inhibitors: Night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, muscle and joint pain.
Calcimimetics: Nausea, vomiting, low blood calcium levels.
Estrogen receptor antagonists: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, hot flashes, back pain, sore throat.
Insulin-like growth factors: Middle ear bacterial infection, anemia, bruising, blood sugar irregularities, swollen lymph nodes, and injection site reaction.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists: Headache, hot flashes, nausea, weight gain.
Oral contraceptive pills: Breakthrough bleeding, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, abdominal cramps, increased vaginal discharge, decreased libido.
Common Questions
How can I balance my hormones naturally?
Natural ways to keep your hormones in balance include eating a balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein and healthy fats and limited amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugars. You should avoid overeating or starving. Engaging in regular exercise and learning to manage stress can also help improve your hormone health.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that are made from plant hormones. They are chemically identical to the hormones produced in the human body. Bioidentical hormones are frequently used to treat symptoms of menopause. They are available as pills, creams, patches, and injections. The U.S. FDA has approved some bioidentical hormones, including bioidentical estriol (weak estrogen).
Can I get a discount on hormone medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including hormone therapy drugs—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/hormones.html
2. https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/hormones.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687478/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/
Common Hormone Treatment Health Medications
Hormone Treatment
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter hormone treatment drugs.
Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by endocrine glands and travel via the bloodstream to various tissues and organs in the body. They perform a wide range of functions, including metabolism, growth, mood control, and reproduction. The major endocrine glands in the human body are the pituitary and pineal glands in the brain, the thyroid and thymus glands in the neck and chest, the pancreas and adrenal glands in the abdomen, the testes in men, and the ovaries in women.
Regulation of hormone levels in the body is essential because hormones are very powerful chemicals. Tiny amounts of hormones can cause big changes in the organs or the whole body. Doctors can measure hormone levels in the blood, urine, or saliva with laboratory tests. They can also treat various health conditions by manipulating hormones.
The goal of hormone treatment can be to supplement certain hormones that the body is not making in sufficient quantities to function properly. The goal of hormone therapy can also be to block certain hormones that are causing or worsening a disease, for example, cancer. Hormone therapy is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid abnormalities, menopausal symptoms, infertility, growth disorders, and high blood pressure.
Medications for Hormone Treatment
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) increase the levels of testosterone and decrease the levels of dihydrotestosterone. They are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia).
Adrenal cortical steroids are of two types – glucocorticoids which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and mineralocorticoids which regulate salt and water in the body. Steroids are used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including allergies, asthma, arthritis, dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, adrenal insufficiency, and Addison’s disease.
Anti-androgens are medications that counteract the effects of male sex hormones (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone). In men, they are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and male pattern baldness. In women, they are used to treat hirsutism (excess facial hair), acne, and amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods). Examples include bicalutamide (Casodex), enzalutamide (Xtandi), and darolutamide (Nubeqa).
Antidiuretic hormone increases the reabsorption of water from the kidneys and narrows the blood vessels. It is used to treat medical conditions such as diabetes type 1, bleeding esophageal varices, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, nocturia (nighttime urination), and primary nocturnal enuresis (inability to control urination at night). An example is desmopressin (DDAVP, Noctiva).
Anti-gonadotropic agents like danazol are used to inhibit the activity of gonadotropin hormones (hormones that stimulate the gonads or sex glands – the testes and ovaries). They are used to treat conditions like fibrocystic breast disease and endometriosis.
Anti-thyroid agents like potassium iodide (Pima, Iostat) and sodium iodide I-131 (Hicon) suppress the synthesis of thyroid hormones in the body. They are used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Thyroid drugs are used to supplement low thyroid levels in people with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Examples include levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl) and thyroid desiccated (Armour Thyroid).
Aromatase inhibitors are a group of medications that block an enzyme called aromatase which is needed to convert androgens to estrogen. They are used to reduce circulating estrogen levels in patients with certain types of breast cancer. Examples include letrozole (Femara), exemestane (Aromasin), and anastrozole (Arimidex).
Calcimimetics are drugs that reduce the levels of parathyroid hormone and calcium in the blood. They are used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and hypercalcemia of malignancy (high calcium levels in the blood found in certain cancers). Examples include cinacalcet (Sensipar) and etelcalcetide (Parsabiv).
Estrogen receptor antagonists like fulvestrant (Faslodex) inhibit the action of estrogen. They are used to treat certain types of estrogen-sensitive breast cancers.
Insulin-like growth factors (mecasermin, brand name Increlex) are used to treat growth failure in children.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists like degarelix (Firmagon) and elagolix (Orilissa) reduce testosterone levels. They are used to treat many types of prostate cancer in men. They are also used during fertility treatment in women.
Oral contraceptive pills contain the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. They are primarily used to prevent pregnancy but can also be used to treat irregular menstruation, period pain, uterine fibroids, and menstrual migraines. Combined estrogen-progesterone pills are FDA-approved for the treatment of acne.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of hormone treatment medications. There are several other classes of medications used for hormone therapy. The above list does, however, demonstrate the wide-ranging effects of hormones in the human body and how they can be used to treat various medical conditions.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Hormone Therapy
Medications that manipulate hormones in the human body are prescription drugs and should be taken under a doctor’s supervision. However, certain OTC supplements are available to manage symptoms associated with hormonal conditions like menopause. It is always a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider before taking any non-prescription, herbal, over-the-counter therapies because they can interfere with prescription treatment.
Common Side Effects of Hormone Treatment Medications
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Reduced libido, impotence, ejaculation disorder, and gynecomastia (male breast enlargement).
Adrenal cortical steroids: High blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, fluid retention, increased risk of infections, mood changes, upset stomach, muscle weakness, and puffy face.
Anti-androgens: Osteoporosis, hot flashes, infertility, sexual dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, reduced libido), fatigue, depression, and anemia.
Antidiuretic hormone: Nausea, diarrhea, stomachache, headache, and facial flushing.
Antigonadotropic agents: Acne, oily skin, sweating, flushing, vaginal dryness or itching, weight gain, decrease in breast size.
Antithyroid agents: Rash, fever, itching, hair loss, nausea, heartburn, muscle aches, and headache.
Thyroid drugs: Headache, muscle weakness, leg cramps, trouble sleeping, rash, hair loss, and diarrhea.
Aromatase inhibitors: Night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, muscle and joint pain.
Calcimimetics: Nausea, vomiting, low blood calcium levels.
Estrogen receptor antagonists: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, hot flashes, back pain, sore throat.
Insulin-like growth factors: Middle ear bacterial infection, anemia, bruising, blood sugar irregularities, swollen lymph nodes, and injection site reaction.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists: Headache, hot flashes, nausea, weight gain.
Oral contraceptive pills: Breakthrough bleeding, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, abdominal cramps, increased vaginal discharge, decreased libido.
Common Questions
How can I balance my hormones naturally?
Natural ways to keep your hormones in balance include eating a balanced diet with adequate amounts of protein and healthy fats and limited amounts of refined carbohydrates and sugars. You should avoid overeating or starving. Engaging in regular exercise and learning to manage stress can also help improve your hormone health.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that are made from plant hormones. They are chemically identical to the hormones produced in the human body. Bioidentical hormones are frequently used to treat symptoms of menopause. They are available as pills, creams, patches, and injections. The U.S. FDA has approved some bioidentical hormones, including bioidentical estriol (weak estrogen).
Can I get a discount on hormone medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including hormone therapy drugs—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
1. https://medlineplus.gov/hormones.html
2. https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/hormones.html
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687478/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430882/
Common Hormone Treatment Health Medications
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