Monthly injections of a drug that induces temporary menopause can preserve the fertility of women undergoing chemotherapy, a new study has shown.

A study of more than 200 women with breast cancer found that 8 per cent of those receiving the drug were in menopause two years later, compared with 22 per cent who did not have the

drug.

Nicole Glazner and her daughter Ruby. Credit:Eddie Jim

The drug, goserelin, disrupts hormonal communication and puts the ovaries into hibernation, causing temporary menopause.

Study co-chair and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre oncologist Kelly-Anne Phillips said the findings confirmed that goserelin could preserve fertility during chemotherapy and help women avoid permanent, early menopause.