Question

Does HIV affect the menopause and where can I learn more?

30 November 2024. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections, Living with HIV long-term, Sexual health, Support.

Hi there – I have been positive for over 12 years and was diagnosed when I was 25.

I am doing well on my HIV meds but I think I am getting symptoms of the menopause and I want to know if HIV will affect this.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thanks – great questions.

Even after more than 40 years of HIV research, the menopause is still not studied very well although some researchers have been recently doing excellent work.

In general, HIV is not thought to have a big impact over when you get your menopause or how this will affect you. This is partly because the menopause affects so many people so differently. Also, information and advice about treatment and support is similar, whether or not you are living with HIV.

The best community resource about this is from the Sophia Forum, This is a UK organisation that develops really good resources by and for women living with HIV.

This 24-page guide explains everything about the menopause in really easy language. If talks about symptoms, including when these can be similar to HIV.

It also covers the whole range of treatment options that can make this time much easier if you need them.

Sophia Forum. Guide to Menopause for Women Living with HIV (2020).
https://sophiaforum.net/guide-to-menopause-for-women-living-with-hiv/ (home page)
https://sophiaforum.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/web-SF_Menopause-booklet-2022-20.10.22.pdf (PDF link)