# Ovarian function suppression (OFS)

Source: https://onco.cc/terms/ovarian-function-suppression/  
OnCo record `ovarian-function-suppression` (Term). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

Temporarily switching off the ovaries with injections (or removing them) so a premenopausal woman's cancer is starved of oestrogen.

## Summary

GnRH agonists (goserelin, leuprolide), oophorectomy, or ovarian irradiation. SOFT/TEXT established OFS + aromatase inhibitor for higher-risk premenopausal women; absolute benefit is largest in those under 35 or needing chemotherapy. Required for aromatase inhibitors in premenopausal women, and the likely explanation for chemotherapy's benefit in premenopausal RxPONDER patients.

## Fields

- Kind: Term
- Last checked: 2026-09-07

## Sources

- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: ovarian suppression: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/ovarian-suppression

## Connected records

- cancers: [HR-positive / HER2-negative breast cancer](https://onco.cc/cancers/breast-hr-positive/)
- drugs: [Exemestane](https://onco.cc/drugs/exemestane/), [Goserelin / leuprolide (ovarian function suppression)](https://onco.cc/drugs/goserelin/), [Leuprolide (leuprorelin) and GnRH agonists](https://onco.cc/drugs/leuprolide/), [Tamoxifen](https://onco.cc/drugs/tamoxifen/)
- trials: [RxPONDER (SWOG S1007)](https://onco.cc/trials/rxponder/), [SOFT & TEXT](https://onco.cc/trials/soft-text/)
- technologies: [Bone loss caused by cancer treatment, and what rebuilds it](https://onco.cc/technologies/cancer-treatment-bone-loss/), [Menopause brought on by cancer treatment, and the options for it](https://onco.cc/technologies/menopause-after-cancer-treatment/), [Oncofertility and fertility preservation](https://onco.cc/technologies/fertility-preservation/), [Ovarian function after chemotherapy: who recovers, and when](https://onco.cc/technologies/ovarian-function-after-chemotherapy/)

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