[Age of menopause in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with radioiodine].

INTRODUCTION

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is an increasingly frequent endocrinological disease. Radioiodine is a key component of treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of I(131) therapy on ovarian and reproductive function.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 202 women treated with radioiodine for DTC in our service from 1985-2008. Data on age at menopause in patients and their mothers and sisters, menstrual history, fertility and neonatal abnormalities were collected.

RESULTS

Menopause occurred in 34 patients at follow-up. The mean age at menopause in patients was 49.94+/-3.45 while that in their mothers and sisters was 49.20+/-5.37 and 48.73+/-3.74 years, respectively. Three patients had transient amenorrhea. No infertility or neonatal alterations were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, menopause did not occur earlier in patients than in their first degree relatives. No significant alterations in neonatal health, fertility or menstruation were found.