Published January, 2007

Menstruation, Menopause, and HIV, Anne Munroe, Bulletin of Experimental Treatments for AIDS (BETA), 2007

This article outlines the information currently available on the effects of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral therapy on the menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms and treatment, with summaries of and references to relevant clinical studies. Included is information on menorrhagia (excessive bleeding during menstruation) and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), osteopenia (bone thinning) and osteoporosis (bone atrophy) and HIV, hormone replacement therapy, and menopausal symptom management. The article also covers screening tests that should be offered to women at various points, diagnostic tests for menstrual abnormalities, and medications for preventing or reversing osteoporosis. This article may be useful to women with HIV and their medical providers in anticipating and responding to health issues related to the menstrual cycle, and for advocates attempting to establish the unique medical and service (and funding) needs of HIV-positive women.