What to Expect After Hormone Therapy with Ovarian Ablation for Breast Cancer

If tests show that your breast cancer grows in response to estrogen, your doctor may suggest ovarian ablation. Its goal is to reduce the amount of estrogen in your body by stopping your ovaries from making it. You may have your ovaries surgically removed. Or you may have radiation to damage your ovaries. Both procedures cause premature menopause. This means you’ll stop having periods. You may have these side effects.

• Change in sex drive

• Hot flashes

• Other symptoms of menopause 

Increased risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis