Risk of chemotherapy induced amenorrhea in breast cancer

Introduction & Aim: Young women with breast cancer often face with dilemmas for fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding and contraception. The aim of the current paper is to evaluate the Risk of chemotherapy induced amenorrhea in patients with breast cancer based on the patient s age by the time of treatment.Material and method: 31 patients with breast cancer who were the subjects of chemotherapy in different stages were participated in this study. Data gathered using clinical reports of the time of chemotherapy treatment and an interview with patients. Gathered data was consisted of the type of chemotherapy received, its duration, and cumulative drugs. Results: Based on the results of the current study the rate of chemotherapy induced amenorrhea was ranged between 20% to 70% for women aged under 45. Alkylating agents were shown association with highest toxicity and amenorrhea Conclusion: The impact of cytotoxic therapies on ovarian function and patient s fertility depends on not only the type and cumulative dose of the drugs but also the selected schedule.

Keywords:

breast cancer , chemotherapy , amenorrhea