Active ingredients and effect
The active ingredients in hormone therapies vary greatly. In some cases it is the direct administration of artificially produced hormones. This works for example with testosterone, estrogen, progestin, insulin and cortisol.
In cases of hypothyroidism and some other diseases, a precursor of the respective hormone can be given and the body must then convert it into the active form of the hormone. Another possibility is the stimulation of organs, which natural function is to produce the desired hormones or precursors. These can then independently increase production.
In other diseases, such as cancer and hyperthyroidism, the amount of hormone or function should be reduced. For this purpose, docking sites can be blocked or antibodies against the respective hormones can be given directly. The surgical removal of hormone-producing tissues such as testicles, thyroid or ovaries can also reduce the amount of hormones in the body. In some cases, modified substances that use the same docking sites as the hormones can also be used, so that the real hormones no longer reach their target. The exact active ingredients used in hormone therapy therefore depend on the intended effect.
Side effects of hormone preparations
The side effects of hormone preparations are as varied as the active ingredients themselves. In many cases the side effects are normal effects of the natural hormones or missing effects of the anti-hormone therapies. In the case of estrogen preparations, possible side effects include mood swings, thromboses, weight fluctuations, abdominal pain, headaches, breast tumors and cardiovascular disease.
Preparations that reduce estrogen levels cause premature menopausal symptoms in young women. Fertility can be reduced and sleep disorders, depression and osteoporosis can occur. Antiandrogens, i.e. hormone therapies against testosterone, can lead to a female appearance in men.
Testosterone as hormone replacement therapy increases the likelihood of acne and oily hair. There are hardly any known side effects of thyroid therapies with levothyroxine, but overdoses can lead to symptoms similar to those of hyperfunction. Insulin can lead to life-threatening hypoglycemia if overdosed or fed incorrectly. The possible side effects of the exact preparations can be read in the package insert and if you have any questions, you should contact your treating physician.
