Premature menopause after cancer treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this report is to examine the impact that cancer therapies have on ovarian function.


BACKGROUND
Symptoms of and conditions due to estrogen deficiency after cancer therapy are described, and interventions are proposed. The consequences of short-term as well as prolonged estrogen deficiency-including vasomotor instability, infertility, genitourinary atrophy, coronary artery disease, and osteoporosis-are discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms and conditions associated with premature menopause may cause additional stress for women who undergo cancer therapy. Knowledge about what happens to these women can enable healthcare providers to help them make decisions about cancer treatment, engage in self-care activities, and explore options for preserving fertility.
Muscari Lin
E
E
University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, USA.
Aikin
J L
JL
Good
B C
BC
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008594:Menopause, Premature / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011788:Quality of Life; D012099:Reproductive Techniques; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents