How is hormone therapy given?

Hormone therapy may be given in several ways. According to the National Cancer Institute, these include:

• Oral: hormone therapy comes in pills that you swallow.
• Injection: the hormone therapy is given by a shot in a muscle in your arm, thigh, or hip, or right under the skin in the fatty part of your arm, leg, or belly.
• Surgery: you may have surgery to remove organs that produce hormones. In women, the ovaries are removed. In men, the testicles are removed.

Where you receive treatment depends on which hormone therapy you are getting and how it is given. You may take hormone therapy at home, or receive it in a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital.

How often and how long you receive it depends on your situation. Your healthcare team can explain the method and schedule planned for you.