Hormone Therapy San Diego is a treatment that adds, blocks, or removes hormones to slow cancer cells that use hormones to grow. It is also called hormone manipulation, endocrine therapy or hormonotherapy.

It may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery and radiation therapy to reduce the risk that cancer will come back (recur). It can also treat certain cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

Hormones

Hormones are chemicals that travel in the bloodstream and control how some cells and organs act and grow. They are made by glands in the body or they can be produced in a laboratory. The most important hormones are testosterone, oestrogen (which is also found in men), prolactin, insulin, growth hormone and glucagon.

A hormone is a chemical messenger that is released by specialist cells, known as endocrine cells, into the bloodstream to send messages to other cells in the body. It is important for regulating the body’s internal environment, a process called homeostasis.

The word “hormone” is derived from the Greek for “exciter” or “stimulator”. The six most common hormones are testosterone, estrogen, oestrogen, glucagon, growth hormone and thyroxine, or T4.

When a cell receives a hormone signal, it will respond by changing its own internal activity. This is called a feedback loop. The original endocrine cells that secreted the hormone will then decrease their production in response to a change in their own activity.

If a hormone is present at high levels in the body it can cause serious health problems. This is why it is important to keep the levels of these hormones in the normal range.

For example, if you have too much estrogen or oestrogen it can lead to a variety of symptoms including hot flushes and changes in mood. If you have too little of these hormones it can lead to problems such as osteoporosis, low libido and menstrual problems in women or muscle loss and decreased bone density in men.

A lack of testosterone in males can result in reduced sperm count, poor bone and facial hair growth, weight gain and slow wound healing. It can also affect libido, mood swings and energy levels.

Cancer

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that can invade other parts of the body and kill healthy tissue. A sample of a cancerous tumour can be examined to find out what type of hormones the tumour cells need to grow. This information can help doctors decide if the cancer is responsive to hormone drug therapy.

The drugs used in hormone therapy block or remove the effect of hormones on cancer cells, stopping their growth. They can be given alone or in combination with other treatments. They may be used before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove, or before radiation therapy to shrink the tumour so that radiation can be directed at only a small area of the tissue. They can also be used in addition to other cancer treatments to reduce the chance that cancer will come back (recur).

The side effects of hormone therapy depend on what types of treatment are used, the dose of drugs you receive and your general health. Some side effects go away after your treatment is over, but others can last for months or even years. Your doctor will explain what side effects to expect and how they will be treated.

Drugs

Drugs are chemicals that affect the way the brain and body work. They can also change your mood and feelings. Different types of drugs have different effects. Some can be addictive and dangerous if used incorrectly. Drugs are divided into four groups based on their effect on the mind and body: Hallucinogens – these can cause people to see or hear things that aren’t there, or think strange thoughts. Stimulants – these speed up messages travelling between the brain and body, making people feel more alert or confident. Empathogens – these increase feelings of empathy and kindness towards others. Other drugs include steroids, which are taken to increase physical strength and performance. They are sometimes used illegally by professional sportspeople. There are also synthetic or ‘designer’ drugs that have been synthesised from other substances.

Treatment

Treatment for hormone-sensitive cancers depends on the type of cancer, how far it has spread and your overall health. Hormone therapy is often given before surgery and radiation to shrink a tumor or prevent it from growing back. It may also be given after other cancer treatments to help keep the cancer from coming back or to decrease the chances that it will grow. This is called adjuvant therapy.

The main types of hormone therapy are pills, gels and injections. You can get fulvestrant as an injection in your arm, leg or hip. Other types of hormone therapy are available as pills or liquids to take by mouth on a regular schedule. Your doctor can tell you how to take your medication and give you instructions for how to manage side effects. Side effects from hormone therapy are usually worse at the start of treatment and then get better over time.

Recovery

The first few days after lip injections, it’s normal for the skin to look swollen or bruised. This is a sign that the body is working to heal itself and the results will be more visible over time.

It’s also common to feel a little uncomfortable or itchy. This is due to the fact that your skin will be numb for a while after the procedure. To reduce these feelings, acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be taken before and after treatment to relieve any pain or discomfort.

You can also apply a cold compress to the area for comfort, which will also help with swelling. However, make sure you don’t put ice directly on your lips, as this can cause damage and could lead to permanent scarring. It is better to wrap the ice in a cloth and apply it for a few minutes at a time, several times a day.

Keeping your lips hydrated will also help reduce post-injection swelling. Drink plenty of water, and try to avoid drinks with high sodium content as they can worsen the swelling. It’s also a good idea to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to help with swelling.

Avoid touching or rubbing the lip filler area, as this can cause the swelling to increase. Also, don’t pucker your lips or suck on them as this can also cause the lip filler to disperse prematurely.

In the 4-6 weeks after your treatment, your lip filler should be fully settled into the lips, and they should have a full and natural appearance. Injections may still be needed for a few touch-up sessions, but they should be fewer and far between.

If you’re thinking about getting lip fillers, it’s best to see a reputable, board-certified surgeon or dermatologist who specializes in aesthetic treatments and injectables. Not only will they be able to minimize risks, but they’ll also give you the most realistic and satisfying results. They’ll also be able to recommend the right type of filler for your skin and goals, and provide you with an aftercare plan to help you get the most from your appointment.