In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Hormone Replacement Therapy and staining
May 23, 2004

Question

I have recently been declared menopausal based on hormone levels. I started to use HRT about one month ago (estradiol and a progesterone). I was totally shocked to find staining today. Am I niddah? Do you think I should stop the HRT? Do women get spotting from HRT? Should I start wearing colored underwear? Any information regarding HRT and staining would be appreciated.

I know these are medical questions, but there might be some halachic information that I should be aware of. Thanks in advance. I have never had spotting in all my menstrual history, always regular periods. I had been on birth control until the menopause was confirmed.

Answer

Thank you for reaching out to us.

Many women do have staining while on HRT. However, the situation often improves over the first few months. 

Staining with HRT can potentially make you niddah. Your status depends on the size and color of the stains and on where they were found. Please see our article on stains for a detailed explanation. If you are still unsure of your status, please get back to us, or call our hotline for a quicker response.

It is a good idea to take precautions against becoming niddah from stains while using HRT, including wearing colored underwear and waiting after urinating before wiping. You can find a detailed list of precautions in our article on stains.

If you have never experienced spotting before, it can take time to get used to keeping these precautions and to relying on the leniencies of stains. You may find it helpful to ask more halachic questions as you adjust.

A review appointment is usually scheduled for about 3-4 months after starting HRT. If you are still staining at that point, you should discuss it with your physician, who can assess whether the treatment is right for you. You should not stop using HRT without consulting your physician.

B'hatzlacha!
Facebook
WhatsApp
Email

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

 Appreciate Yoatzot Halacha?

Support our work & allow your donation to make a difference.

Accessibility Toolbar

Welcome to Our New Site!

We’re still in the process of bringing over our full archive of Q&As. Stay with us as we continue to update all our content and features.
Thank you for your patience, and please feel free to share feedback or let us know if you’re looking for something specific.