Fertility Preservation for Females Patient & Family Handbook

n SURVIVORSHIP MONITORING Female cancer survivors who may be at any risk for reproductive problems should have yearly examinations that include height and weight measurement. Survivors should also have close and ongoing examinations of pubertal development to be sure they are progressing normally. Blood tests may include but are not limited to hormone levels (LH, FSH, Estradiol, AMH). Because hormones can affect bone health and development, other examina- tions may also include bone density measurements. If any hormone or bone problems are found, the survivor may need to be referred to an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) for further testing and treatment recommendations. Cancer survivors require lifelong examinations for many reasons, and reproductive health in survivors of childhood cancer is important. n HOW TO DECIDE IF FERTILITY PRESERVATION IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD Fertility preservation is a new field of medicine and there is much to learn, especially about protecting an adolescent’s or young adult’s ability to have children after cancer treatment. When considering options for fertility preservation, families must be aware that pregnancy may not occur, insurance may not pay for the treatment now or in the fu- ture, and the long-term effects of the treatment may not be known for years to decades.

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