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You were told no hormones.
If you are dealing with symptoms after cancer treatment and you are not getting traction in medical visits, this checklist is for you.
Survival should not end the conversation.
Cancer treatment can save a woman's life and still leave symptoms, sexual-health changes, and quality-of-life losses that deserve careful discussion — not a vague no and a closed door.
What CHOICES is — and isn't.
What to bring back into the conversation.
A no may be the right answer — but it should be a specific one. These are the questions that turn a closed door into a real discussion with your care team.
No to which hormone?
Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone; vaginal or systemic — “hormones” isn't one thing. Which is off the table, and which aren't?
By what route?
Local/vaginal, transdermal, or oral — route changes absorption and risk. Was the no about one route, or all of them?
At what dose?
Low-dose and standard-dose are different conversations. Is there a dose that changes the risk–benefit balance?
In what cancer context?
Tumor type, receptor status, time since treatment, and current therapy all matter. Is the no based on your specific situation?
What are the alternatives?
If a therapy is truly off the table, what non-hormonal or other options exist for the symptoms you're managing?
What's the follow-up plan?
If it's no for now, when is it worth revisiting — and what would need to change for that to happen?
Important — A “no” may be exactly right for your situation. This is not a reason to start, stop, or change any treatment on your own — it's a way to make the conversation specific and bring it back to the clinicians who know your history.
The CHOICES Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring better questions to the next visit.
A practical worksheet to help you focus the visit, raise what matters, and leave with a clear plan. The first tool CHOICES puts in your hands.
Email me the free CHOICES Doctor Visit ChecklistA few places to begin.
Evidence-based hormone, sexual health, and survivorship education for women and clinicians.
CHOICES content is educational and informational only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendation, or the practice of medicine, and does not establish a physician–patient or healthcare-provider relationship. Do not use it to start, modify, or discontinue any treatment, and do not delay or disregard professional medical advice because of something you read here. Always consult qualified professionals familiar with your medical history; any use of this information is at your own risk. CHOICES content is independent and does not represent City of Hope.