Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Staining with hormonal patch, after oophorectomy

14 January, 2024
Question:

Hi. 6 weeks ago I had my ovaries removed and was started on a hormonal patch (to help with symptoms of menopause).

I had one regular “period” after the surgery. Since then I have been having a lot of spotting, on my underwear and on toilet paper. Usually larger than a gris and usually very dark in color…deep brown almost black, sometimes a little more red. I have not been able to count seven clean days and get to the mikva.

I heard this is normal when starting on hormonal patch but I am looking for some advice on how I can get to the mikva and then how to continue with this cycle without becoming nidda again.


Answer:

Thank you for your question.

We recommend letting your doctor know that ongoing staining is a difficulty for you, even when it is not medically a problem. Your doctor may have suggestions for how to limit the staining.

In order to start the seven clean days, we recommend trying to clean out the vaginal canal gently and thoroughly, and then waiting a little before performing the hefsek tahara. You may skip the moch dachuk. It is important to do one bedikah on the first day and one on the seventh day of the seven clean days, as well as one during the intermediate days. If you feel it is necessary, you can skip other bedikot. If the spotting continues, you can use a disposable pantiliner during the clean days and disregard small stains found there. It is important to note that not all shades of brown render a bedikah invalid. If you are unsure about a bedikah, we recommend consulting a halachic authority. We hope this will help you get to the mikveh sooner.

For precautions you can take to avoid becoming niddah from staining, please see our guidelines here.

We hope the hormonal patch will help you successfully manage the symptoms of menopause. Please write back with any further questions.

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