Ovarian failure following cytotoxic therapy.

Evidence of ovarian failure was sought in 18 premenopausal women who were being treated with cytotoxic drugs for malignant disease. Ten had symptoms and signs of ovarian failure although only two had conveyed these problems to us. Ovarian failure was more frequently observed in patients over 25 and in those on continuous low doses of alkylating agents such as busulphan. Oestrogen/progesterone replacement therapy together with appropriate counselling was given to eight women and brought great benefit to them all. Provided there is no danger of activating the tumour, cytotoxic induced ovarian failure should be treated promptly with replacement therapy even if life expectation is short.