Changes in Ovarian Stromal Function and Associated Symptoms in Premenopausal Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

摘要

The objective of this pilot study was to identify if androgen levels are adversely affected by adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer and whether low androgen levels are correlated with the frequency and severity of fatigue, weight gain, psychological symptoms, vasomotor symptoms and libido. A longitudinal, descriptive design was used with questionnaires completed and blood drawn from 20 premenopausal women at 4 time periods: before treatment, mid-treatment, immediate post-treatment and 6 months later. Questionnaires included the Female Sexual Function Index, Greeene Climacteric Scale, Profile of Mood States, Schwartz Fatigue Scale and a menses diary. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, plots of hormone levels over time, t-tests to examine changes in hormone levels, and correlational analysis to determine relationships between hormone levels and symptoms. Preliminary data indicate that women > 40 stopped menstruating, had FSH levels > 40 IU/l and androgen function decreased by at least 35%. Women.