Thyroid hormones are essential chemical messengers produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism, energy production, and numerous bodily functions. The two primary thyroid hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which control how quickly your body uses energy, affects protein synthesis, and influences heart rate, body temperature, and brain development.
Thyroid hormone medications primarily treat hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn't produce sufficient hormones. This condition can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and cognitive difficulties. Treatment may also be required following thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or for managing certain types of goitre and thyroid cancer.
Thyroid hormone replacement requires careful individual dosing based on TSH levels, with regular blood tests typically every 6-8 weeks initially, then annually once stable. Factors affecting dosage include age, weight, pregnancy, and interactions with other medications or supplements.
Oestrogen is a crucial female hormone used in various therapeutic applications throughout the UK. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) preparations help manage menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, and bone density loss. Available formulations include tablets, patches, gels, and vaginal preparations, each offering different benefits for symptom management and patient convenience.
Contraceptive formulations containing oestrogen, such as the combined pill, provide reliable pregnancy prevention whilst offering additional benefits like cycle regulation and reduced menstrual pain. Treatment applications extend to managing conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain cases of osteoporosis prevention.
Testosterone therapy addresses hypogonadism and testosterone deficiency in men, with symptoms including reduced libido, fatigue, muscle weakness, and mood changes. Available options include:
Prescription requirements include confirmed diagnosis through blood tests and specialist consultation. Monitoring protocols involve regular prostate examinations, liver function tests, and haematocrit monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes.
The NHS provides access to various insulin formulations to meet individual patient needs. Rapid-acting insulins such as NovoRapid and Humalog are designed for mealtime glucose control, whilst long-acting preparations like Lantus and Levemir provide basal insulin coverage throughout the day. Mixed insulin options combine both rapid and intermediate-acting components, offering convenience for patients requiring simplified dosing regimens.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic and Trulicity, enhance insulin secretion and slow gastric emptying. SGLT-2 inhibitors work by reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys. These medications are available through NHS prescription and require regular monitoring by healthcare professionals.
Regular monitoring is essential for all patients using diabetes hormones. NHS guidelines recommend specific testing frequencies based on treatment type and individual circumstances.
Proper storage in refrigerated conditions and correct injection techniques are crucial for maintaining hormone efficacy and patient safety.
Corticosteroid hormones are essential treatments for various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Prednisolone remains the most commonly prescribed oral corticosteroid in the UK, available in multiple strengths. Hydrocortisone preparations are used for both replacement therapy and acute treatment, whilst dexamethasone offers potent anti-inflammatory effects for specific clinical situations.
Adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease, requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy. These conditions necessitate careful monitoring and patient education regarding emergency protocols.
Corticosteroid dosing typically follows circadian rhythms, with higher doses administered in the morning. Gradual dose reduction is essential to prevent withdrawal symptoms and adrenal crisis.
Long-term corticosteroid use requires careful monitoring for:
Growth hormone treatments are essential for managing various conditions affecting normal growth and development. In paediatric applications, these therapies address growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, and chronic renal insufficiency. Licensed preparations available through the NHS include somatropin formulations such as Genotropin, Humatrope, and NordiTropin, which require specialist endocrinologist supervision.
Adult growth hormone deficiency treatment focuses on improving quality of life, bone density, and metabolic function. These treatments require careful monitoring and are typically initiated in specialist centres with ongoing shared care arrangements between hospital consultants and GPs.
Thyroid-stimulating preparations include recombinant TSH (Thyrogen) used primarily for thyroid cancer monitoring and treatment protocols. Parathyroid hormone options encompass teriparatide (Forsteo) for severe osteoporosis treatment, requiring specialist bone clinic supervision.
Fertility treatments encompass a comprehensive range of hormonal preparations designed to support reproductive health. Gonadotrophin preparations including FSH (Gonal-F, Puregon) and LH combinations are fundamental for ovarian stimulation protocols. These medications require careful monitoring through fertility clinics with regular ultrasound scanning and hormone level assessments.
Ovulation induction therapies utilise clomifene citrate as first-line treatment, progressing to gonadotrophins for more complex cases. IVF protocol medications include GnRH agonists (buserelin, nafarelin) and antagonists (cetrorelix, ganirelix) for cycle control, alongside luteal phase support with progesterone preparations.
Modern contraceptive options provide flexible hormone delivery methods. Combined preparations offer various formulations including traditional pills, patches, and vaginal rings. Progestogen-only options include daily pills, injections (Depo-Provera), implants (Nexplanon), and intrauterine systems (Mirena).
Emergency contraception includes levonorgestrel (available without prescription) and ulipristal acetate (prescription-only medicine) providing effective post-coital protection when used appropriately.
HRT preparations address menopausal symptoms through various delivery methods including tablets, patches, gels, and pessaries. Treatment selection considers individual risk factors, symptom severity, and patient preferences.
