Problems of infertility following cancer therapy in childhood and adolescence.
Hormones regulate ovarian and testicular function. These are produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus and by the sex organs. Impaired gonadal function may result from damage to any of these structures and the toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause this damage. This paper will discuss the effects these treatments can have on adults who have survived a childhood cancer, and describe the subsequent implications for clinical practice.
Reid
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Paediatric Oncology Unit, St James's University Hospital, Beckett St, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK.