The Impact of Reduced Ovarian Function and Its Consequences on Young Women Survivors of Breast and Gynecologic Cancer

Few studies have investigated the emotional burden associated with the consequences of reduced ovarian functioning and estrogen depletion experienced by many young women cancer survivors. One hundred and eighteen women aged 50 or less and diagnosed with stage 0-III breast or gynecologic cancer were recruited for a one-time interview assessment. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses tested consequences of ovarian functioning and estrogen depletion as predictors of psychological adjustment and quality of life (QoL). It was hypothesized that each predictor (e.g.; menopausal symptoms, sexual symptoms, reproductive concerns) would influence each outcome (e.g.; general distress, depressive symptoms, cancer-specific stress, and body change stress and psychological QoL). Results found that (1) increased vasomotor symptoms were associated with heightened cancer-specific stress, but were not associated with general distress, depressive symptoms, body change stress, or psychological QoL, (2) scores indicative of sexual dysfunction were associated with all measured outcomes, and (3) scores indicating high reproductive concerns were associated with increased body change stress, but were not associated with general distress, depressive symptoms, cancer-specific stress, or psychological QoL. A more comprehensive measure of physiological symptoms of menopause was used in post-hoc analyses, which found that (4) physiological symptoms of menopause were associated with increased depressive symptoms, cancer-specific stress, and body change stress, but not with general distress or psychological QoL. Future studies are needed to establish directionality and to identify moderators or mediators. Results highlight the need to identify clinical approaches to address the consequences of reduced ovarian functioning and estrogen depletion in young women with cancer.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher

The Ohio State University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Levin, Anna O.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Andersen, Barbara

• Psychology
• Health

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1366070413

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:osu1366070413