HIV / STI
Menstrual and menopausal health concerns of Women with HIV (WWH) in the United States: an exploratory study Deepthi S. Varma* Deepthi Varma Rebekah Kertz Kendall Robinson Kayla McNeely Liana Hone Robert Cook
Introduction: Women with HIV (WWH) face severe menstrual issues and earlier menopausal symptoms due to factors including HIV, STIs, stress, substance use, and reproductive health conditions.
Methods: Twenty-three WWH in Florida participated in 60-minute Zoom interviews, conducted using an IRB-approved semi-structured guide. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, quality-checked, and analyzed with Atlas.ti™. Two independent coders systematically coded the transcripts. In weekly team meetings they reconciled discrepancies and finalize codes collaboratively. In a second coding cycle, similar codes were grouped into broader themes, with subthemes identified to capture insights.
Results: Eleven women were aged 38-57, six were 18-37, and six were 57 or older. Nine were single, four married, two widowed, five divorced, and three living with a partner. Three women were diagnosed with HIV within the past five years, three within the last decade, and the rest over 10 years ago. Fourteen women reported current substance use, and all but one had a primary care provider. Key menstrual concerns included irregular cycles and flow, pain and treatment, premenstrual symptoms, fear of transmission during menstruation, ART/substance use impacts, and provider discussions. Menopause-related concerns included onset, symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats, irregular bleeding), and treatment.
Discussion: This study highlights the multifaceted menstrual and menopausal health challenges faced by WWH, emphasizing the urgent need for age-specific, culturally sensitive, and holistic care strategies that address menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, and the interplay of ART, substance use, and stigma. Findings are crucial for optimizing symptom management, enhancing well-being, and improving provider-patient communication.