Menopause

Menopausal symptoms are very common. Anyone with ovaries (the reproductive organ that produces eggs) will experience menopause – including cisgender women, transgender men and non-binary people and will often experience menopausal symptoms.

Menopause is when periods stop because the ovaries no longer work. It is a natural part of ageing and usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55. Periods become less frequent over a few months or years, before they stop altogether.

 Importance for people 50+

The interaction between menopause and HIV is under-researched, but the evidence base is growing. HIV does not affect the way in which you will experience perimenopause and menopause.

Studies have found that women living with HIV are more likely to experience symptoms than women who do not have HIV. This includes sexual symptoms such as a lack of interest in sex and vaginal dryness, bodily symptoms such as hot flushes, and psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

People living with HIV may be more likely to have some of the risk factors for menopausal symptoms, such as a being overweight or smoking or the immune system’s response to it may also have an impact on the ovaries and the production of hormones that affect the experience of menopause.

Management

Talk with your healthcare provider as they should be able to tell that you have started menopausal transition based on your symptoms, pattern of periods and age. If you have separate care for HIV, ask your HIV doctor for support as well if you need to. If you have severe symptoms or you are struggling to get support, you can ask to be referred to a specialist. If the symptoms of menopause interfere with your day-to-day life, treatments are available. The aim of treatments is to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. As symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis are related to low levels of the hormone oestrogen, HRT relieves symptoms by replacing oestrogen levels that naturally fall in menopause.

Additional information: www.positivewomenvictoria.org.au   or   www.sofiaforum.net