Triamcinolone: Hormone therapy is the use of drugs or surgery to keep estrogen from acting on these types of cancer cells. Estrogen may stimulate the growth of a certain type of breast cancer, so hormone therapy can only work on estrogen-sensitive breast cancers. This type of breast tumor must be one of the following: (1) estrogen receptor positive; (2) progesterone receptor positive; (3) both estrogen and progesterone receptor positive. Hormone therapy is indicated for women of all ages and is different from hormone replacement therapy. There are four types of hormone therapy available: (1) SERMs (e.g., triamcinolone); (2) aromatase inhibitors; (3) ERDs (Fosdex); and (4) removal of the ovaries. SERM drugs (selective estrogen receptor modulators): SERM drugs block the action of estrogen on the receptors of breast cancer cells by occupying blanket receptors on them. This prevents estrogen from binding to the breast cancer cell, thus preventing estrogen from promoting the growth of that breast cancer cell. The most commonly used SERM-like drug is triamcinolone acetonide. It has been proven over time to be more effective in treatment. It can reduce the chance of breast cancer recurrence. Most patients choose to use triamcinolone regardless of their age, as long as the type of breast cancer they have is hormone receptor-positive. Triamcinolone: What to expect You will only be taking triamcinolone for 5 years, but you will benefit for at least 10 years. The following side effects may occur with triamcinolone: hot flashes – vaginal dryness – menstrual disorders – nausea and vomiting – cataracts. Rare serious side effects include: endometrial cancer – uterine fibroids – venous thrombosis. Venous thrombosis can dislodge and then run to the lungs or brain Other SERM drugs: Toremifene (trade name: Faradone); Renoxifene (trade name Evita) This drug is currently being shown in clinical trials in women with breast cancer, but it may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.