So-called gon­ado­trop­in-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) are used to “immob­il­ize” the ovaries during chemo­ther­apy, which is hoped to protect the ovaries. At present, however, it is unclear by which mechanism this effect could be achieved.

Based on current studies, it is believed that the admin­is­tra­tion of GnRHa (e.g., as a monthly injection) beginning shortly before and continued during chemo­ther­apy reduces the risk of premature ovarian function loss.

However, further studies are needed to determine whether this effect is real and whether a possible positive effect on ovarian function can be demon­strated in the long term.

Due to these uncer­tain­ties, if desired and possible, the admin­is­tra­tion of a GnRHa should not be performed alone but should be combined with another fertility pre­serving measures.

Detailed inform­a­tion and a bib­li­o­graphy can be found in the Fer­ti­PRO­TEKT booklet “Indika­tion und Durch­führung fer­til­ität­s­pro­tekt­iver Maßnahmen bei onko­lo­gis­chen und nicht-onko­lo­gis­chen Erkrankun­gen”, 2nd revised edition 2020, which was written by members of the Fer­ti­PRO­TEKT Netzwerk e.V. and is available free of charge (in German).

(Chap. 3.6)

An english version can be bought: Fertility Pre­ser­va­tion in Onco­lo­gic­al and Non-Onco­lo­gic­al Diseases a practical guide by Michael von Wolff & Frank Nawroth ISBN 978–3‑030–47567‑3 from Springer.com

Part III.VI page 215ff