Women & HIV/AIDS

Menstrual Problems

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Menstrual problems are common for women with HIV. These problems may include lighter or heavier bleeding, missed periods, or more severe premenstrual syndrome. They can be caused by a number of things, like low CD4 cells or high viral load. The change in your immune system could affect your hormones and cause problems with your period. Weight loss, chronic disease, drug abuse, birth control, HIV drugs, uterine fibroids, itching, genital tract infections, or perimenopause could also cause menstrual problems. If you're having any of these problems, talk to your doctor to find out what's causing them.

Additional Resources:

Publications

1. Gynecological Conditions and HIV/AIDS: Menstrual Changes (Copyright © Project Inform) — This publication discusses how HIV disease might affect a woman’s reproductive system, hormones and menstrual cycle. It also discusses some common conditions involving menstrual changes that women with HIV/AIDS might have.

   http://www.projectinform.org/info/gyn/07.shtml

2. Menstruation, Menopause, and HIV (Copyright © San Francisco AIDS Foundation) — This publication discusses how HIV can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle and period, as well as the effects of HIV on menopause.

   http://www.sfaf.org/beta/2007_win/menstruation.html

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated March 4, 2009.