Abstract: Premature ovarian failure （POF） is an important problem when chemotherapy drugs were used in cancer and autoimmune diseases. Oral contraceptions （OCs） can reduce gonadotropins synthesis and secretion by the negative feedback which make ovary dormant status against the damage of cytotoxic drugs. Meanwhile, OCs can restrain apoptosis of follicle granular cell and oocyte by up-regulating Bcl-2 expression and down-regulating Bax expression. The integrity and liquidity of cell membrane can be protected by reducing the oxygen free radicals production. This article reviewed the mechanism of oral contraceptives protecting ovarian function.

Key words: Ovarian failure, premature, Chemotherapy, adjuvant, Contraceptives, oral