Side effects of ovarian treatment All ovarian treatments induce menopause - permanently in the case of surgery. Premature menopause also increases a woman's risk of osteoporosis, heart disease and strokes. It induces infertility, and frees a woman from the need for contraception. It is not known whether it is safe for women who have had breast cancer to take hormone replacement therapy. The National Health and Medical Research Council is reviewing hormone replacement therapy, and will issue a statement in due course.
Some doctors suggest using more than one form of adjuvant therapy.
Much of the evidence for the value of this is indirect, and overall it is weak. Using two forms instead of one may add a little benefit, but it is unlikely to be a large benefit. There is no evidence that such combinations cause harm. These recommendations for chemotherapy and hormone therapy are based on the consensus opinion of a group of senior Australian breast cancer experts who met in 1994. The views or opinions stated in external resources which are links on this home page do not necessarily reflect those of the National Breast Cancer Centre.