weisssoccermom wrote:I"m not surprised about the HRT but I am surprised that your GYN won't Rx some vaginal estrogen cream. Yes, it does contain hormones, however, the levels your body absorbs via the vaginal route are SO small that most doctors don't consider it to be 'dangerous' to a female unless you have a STRONG family history of estrogen based cancers. If you have none (breast, endometrial, ovarian) then I'm not sure why the wait. That's just my opinion. Personally, I wouldn't take that as a final answer....I would be seeking more information.
As for when vaginal stenosis would/could show itself....no 12 weeks is not enough time. You may be fortunate enough to never have it but then again, you might not.
Cmarie03 wrote:I am a month out from radiation for rectal cancer and having a lot of brownish vaginal discharge. Is this normal?? I was told by my doc it was but it seems like a lot and I am worried.
Cmarie03 wrote:I am a month out from radiation for rectal cancer and having a lot of brownish vaginal discharge. Is this normal?? I was told by my doc it was but it seems like a lot and I am worried.
MissMolly wrote:Cmarie03 wrote:I am a month out from radiation for rectal cancer and having a lot of brownish vaginal discharge. Is this normal?? I was told by my doc it was but it seems like a lot and I am worried.
CMarie:
I believe your physician is correct in lowering your alarm level with regards to the brownish vaginal discharge.
It is likely due to your plummeting sex hormone levels secondary to the effects of radiation. What you are experiencing is called “withdrawal bleeding.” The uterus prepares a monthly cycle lining but the progesterone levels are not able to sustain it. What would have been your normal monthly cycle lining becomes devitalized. The tissue begins to “decay” with a delayed sloughing, resulting in the brownish-coloration from decayed and released hemoglobin rather than the bright red associated with a normal period.
You may experience more episodes of withdrawal bleeding and they will likely be irregular in timing. Brownish-discharge. It can have an off-odor. Irregular spotting.
I hope this helps ease your immediate concerns.
Karen
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