Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Z-Scores for Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation
Published on: October 25, 2024
Imminent ovarian failure in childhood cancer survivors
G M Lantinga1, A H M Simons, W A Kamps
1Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate reproductive history and the prevalence of imminent ovarian failure (IOF) in female childhood cancer survivors. Reproductive history and ovarian function were evaluated by questionnaires (n=124) and by measurement of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol (E2) levels (n=93). IOF was defined as FSH>10 IU/l or E2>0.28 nmol/l on day 3 of the menstrual cycle, or FSH>12.4 IU/l on day 7 of the pill-free interval. IOF was demonstrated in 22.6% of the participants and correlated with age at diagnosis (P<0.005) and age at study (P=0.036). IOF correlated inversely with methotrexate (P=0.046). The incidence of miscarriages (22.7%) and recurrent miscarriages (7.3%) was increased. The male/female (M/F) ratio of the offspring was decreased. In conclusion, female childhood cancer survivors are at risk for IOF. If pregnant, the risk of (recurrent) miscarriages is increased. The M/F ratio in the offspring is decreased.
Related Concept Videos
Oogenesis
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Treatment Resistent Cancers