Gynecological conditions and HIV / AIDS

October 2005     View PDF     En español

Menopause

Menopause—the end of menstruation—is a natural phase for women. It occurs because of natural changes that happen over time (usually 10–15 years) in a woman’s reproductive system. These changes include the declining production of estrogen. Without enough estrogen, the uterine lining cannot thicken to prepare for an embryo. Therefore, no ovulation occurs (the passing of an egg from the fallopian tubes into the uterus walls) and menstruation stops.

Women usually experience menopause between the ages of 38–58, and most enter it around the age of 50. There’s some evidence that women with HIV may experience menopause earlier. This may be due to many factors such as anemia, lower hormone production, chronic illness, weight loss, anti-HIV drugs, street drugs and smoking. However, the symptoms of menopause appear to be the same for both HIV-positive and -negative women. They include heavier, irregular or missed periods; hot flashes; vaginal dryness; and other changes of the vagina.

Many women undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in order to replace the estrogen lost during menopause. As with any therapy, HRT has its risk and benefits. For women living with HIV, there are still many questions as to the impact of HRT. Unfortunately, there’s not enough research yet to point to the dangers or benefits of HRT in women with HIV.