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Hormonal Changes and Sexual Dysfunction
Eric S Zhou1, Natasha N Frederick2, Sharon L Bober3
1Pediatric Oncology, Perini Family Survivors' Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Sexual dysfunction is a common concern for many patients with cancer after treatment. Hormonal changes as a result of cancer-directed therapy can affect both male and female sexual health. This has the potential to significantly impact patients' quality of life, but is underreported and undertreated in the oncology setting. This review discusses commonly reported sexual issues and the role that hormonal changes play in this dysfunction. Although medical and psychosocial intervention strategies exist, there is a clear need for further research to formally develop programming that can assist people whose sexual health has been impacted by cancer treatment.