Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries. If it goes undetected for a long time, it can spread to the pelvic region and abdomen. Common symptoms of this type of cancer include pain in the pelvic region, abdominal swelling, weight loss, and change in bowel movements. The treatments for ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. Hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy, uses hormone-blocking drugs to fight cancer cells.

This form of treatment can be used to treat ovarian stromal tumors and epithelial ovarian cancer. The drugs can be administered intravenously into the bloodstream or given orally to the patient. Let’s look at the common types of hormone therapy used for ovarian cancer treatment:

1. Aromatase inhibitors
Aromatase inhibitors are drugs that block the enzyme known as aromatase from converting other hormones into estrogen in women who have gone through menopause. These inhibitors do not stop the female reproductive system from making estrogen completely but rather function to lower estrogen levels. Aromatase inhibitors are commonly used to treat ovarian stromal tumors, some forms of carcinomas, and breast cancers. These drugs are taken orally. However, there may be certain side effects such as hot flashes and bone pain and thinning. These side effects are quite similar to the one caused due to menopause. Your doctor may discuss the details and how this will affect you.

2. Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is used to treat advanced forms of ovarian cancer as well as some forms of breast cancer. The main function of this drug is to act as a hormone inhibitor. It prevents the estrogen from circulating in the cancer cells of the body. This works to prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. Tamoxifen can have certain side-effects such as vaginal dryness and menopausal hot flashes. Tamoxifen can also function as a weak form of estrogen in a woman’s body. However, this has a dangerous side-effect of blood clot formation.

3. LHRH agonists
LHRH agonists work by completely halting the production of estrogen in the ovaries. While aromatase inhibitors work as hormone suppressants in post-menopausal women, LHRH agonists are used for women during their pre-menopausal stage. These drugs are administered intravenously every one to three months, depending on the patient’s requirements. The commonly observed side-effects of these drugs include dryness in the vagina and hot flashes similar to those that occur during menopause. Long-term dependence on LHRH agonists may lead to more severe complications such as bone thinning, which can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

Like other types of cancer, ovarian cancer too tends to run in families. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, it is wise to get regular screenings done. If cancer is detected early while it is still confined to the ovaries, the chances of ovarian cancer treatments being successful are much higher.