GnRH agonists could prevent follicles from reaching their sensitivity threshold to chemotherapy by suppressing granulosa cells

In tests done on rats treated with GnRH-a, inhibition of the recruitment process of small follicles from the reserve and their development into large follicles was demonstrated, which would subsequently proceed to development and atresia.

The protective effect of GnRH-a may not be sufficient in the case of more prolonged treatments and higher doses of chemotherapy, in contrast to the shorter protocols used with animals.

Although its use is very controversial, the most recent randomised prospective studies do seem to show it to be beneficial. However, its use should be restricted to controlled clinical trials. It has no applications for males.