Hormonal therapies: Overview

Hormones are substances that occur naturally in the body. They act as chemical messengers influencing the growth and activity of cells. Hormones are produced by a number of different organs or glands which together are known as the endocrine system. 

Hormonal therapies act by altering the production or activity of particular hormones in the body. They are most commonly used to treat breast and prostate cancer. The type of hormone therapy given depends on the type of cancer being treated.

The list of individual therapies provides more detailed information about each particular treatment.