Chemotherapy may significantly impair fertility and ovarian function, study suggests

Chemotherapy may reduce ovarian function and fertility in women, a recent study suggests.

The research examined how cancer treatment affects ovarian tissue, hormone production and ovarian reserve (the egg supply available for reproduction).

The authors found that some chemotherapy drugs can trigger oxidative stress (cell damage from unstable molecules) and apoptosis (programmed cell death) in ovarian follicles.

These effects can reduce ovarian volume, destroy growing and dormant follicles, and speed up depletion of the egg reserve.

Damage to the ovarian microenvironment can disrupt hormone production and the balance needed for follicle maturation and ovulation, increasing the risk of diminished fertility or premature ovarian insufficiency (early loss of ovarian function before 40).

The findings suggest women of reproductive age receiving chemotherapy may face reduced ovarian reserve, impaired fertility and earlier menopause compared with those not treated.

The researchers said the results support integrating fertility risk assessment and preservation into cancer care.

Clinicians should discuss possible impacts before treatment and consider referrals to fertility specialists.

Preservation options include egg or embryo freezing, ovarian tissue storage or ovarian suppression therapies, depending on individual needs.

The authors called for research into protective strategies to limit ovarian damage during treatment, and long-term studies tracking fertility outcomes in survivors.

Understanding how different chemotherapy types affect the ovaries will be key to personalised onco-fertility care.