[Impact of radiotherapy on female fertility]

Abstract

Radiation therapy may have deleterious effects on female fertility. It can cause ovarian dysfunction, uterine damages or disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. These effects occur at varying dose levels usually relatively low compared to the prescribed doses. Other co-factors influence the effects of radiation therapy on fertility, such as age or therapy with alkylating agents. This review aims to make an update on the current state of knowledge about the impact of radiotherapy on female fertility.

Keywords: Cancer; Dose; Female fertility; Fertilité féminine; Ovaire; Ovary; Radiotherapy; Radiothérapie.