hormonedependent

Hormonedependent, also written as hormone-dependent, is a term used in biology and medicine to describe processes, tissues, or diseases that require hormonal signals for development, maintenance, or progression. The concept distinguishes conditions that rely on circulating or locally produced hormones from those that do not.

It typically involves hormone receptors such as estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR), or progesterone receptor (PR). Hormones binding these receptors modulate gene expression and cell behavior. In many tissues, hormones are supplied by endocrine glands (pituitary, gonads, adrenals) or by local synthesis within the tissue.

Well-known hormone-dependent diseases include certain cancers, notably estrogen receptor–positive breast cancer and androgen-dependent prostate cancer. Endometrial and some gynecologic tumors can also be hormone-dependent. Outside oncology, conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids display hormone responsiveness.

Determining hormone dependence guides management. Receptor testing or hormone level assessment informs prognosis and therapy. Treatments aim to block hormone signaling or reduce hormone production, including selective receptor modulators (e.g., tamoxifen), receptor degraders (fulvestrant), aromatase inhibitors, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. In cancer, endocrine therapy is often used in combination with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy; some hormone-dependent diseases may regress if hormone exposure is reduced.

Some tumors may evolve to become hormone-independent with disease progression, underscoring the need for ongoing evaluation of hormonal status.