Optimal treatment of premature ovarian failure after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma is often withheld

Background. The purpose of this study is to determine: 1. the effect of treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma on ovarian function, and 2. the interventions to relieve postmenopausal symptoms. Methods. Seventy-seven consecutive patients treated between 1989 and 2003 in the Rotterdam region for Hodgkin's lymphoma stages I and II were approached for this study. A questionnaire consisting of 45 questions was carried out to evaluate premature menopausal symptoms, hormonal replacement therapy and use of contraception, menstrual cycle, and subsequent pregnancies. Results. After informed consent 67 patients were willing to participate in the study and 66 patients filled in a questionnaire. After antitumor treatment 13 patients developed treatment-related premature ovarian failure, 35 patients had a spontaneous cycle, and 18 patients could not be classified as they used hormonal contraception. Women who developed treatment-related premature ovarian failure had a significantly higher mean age at the start of treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma than women who remained premenopausal (p