Niehormonal

Niehormonal, commonly translated as non-hormonal, is an adjective used to describe methods, substances, or products that do not involve hormones or hormone-based mechanisms. In medicine and health care, it is used to distinguish approaches that rely on non-hormonal pathways from those that modulate or replace hormones. The term appears in fields such as contraception, gynecology, dermatology, and cosmetic science. Non-hormonal options may have different efficacy and side-effect profiles and may be preferred when hormonal treatment is unsuitable or undesired.

In contraception, non-hormonal methods include barrier methods such as male and female condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps; non-hormonal intrauterine devices like the copper IUD; fertility awareness-based methods; and sterilization. These rely on physical barriers, spermotoxic agents, or the detection of fertile windows rather than on hormonal suppression.

In gynecology and menopause, non-hormonal strategies address symptoms without hormones. For vasomotor symptoms, non-hormonal pharmacologic options include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs) and gabapentin, while lifestyle modifications and cooling strategies can help. Non-hormonal vaginal products (moisturizers, lubricants) can alleviate genitourinary symptoms of menopause.

In dermatology and cosmetic contexts, non-hormonal approaches target conditions without altering systemic hormones, such as topical retinoids or non-hormonal skincare regimens. The term also appears in consumer labeling to indicate products free from hormonal ingredients or hormone-based formulations.

See also: Hormonal therapy, Hormone replacement therapy, Contraception.