Menstrual Function in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women Without Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract

To assess whether HIV infection is associated with menstrual abnormalities in HIV-infected women without AIDS, we evaluated 248 premenopausal HIV-infected women without AIDS and 82 HIV-negative women. Detailed medical, drug use, and menstrual histories (using menstrual calendars) were obtained. Complete physical and pelvic examinations and CD4 counts were performed. HIV-infected women were more likely to experience intervals > 6 weeks without menstrual bleeding [8 vs. 0%, odds ratio (OR) = 10.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-1,000) and amenorrhea > 3 months (5 vs. 0%, OR = 7.1, 95% CI 1.1-1,000) (after adjustment for drug use, age, and race). Premenstrual breast swelling (p = 0.01), tenderness (p = 0.01), and dysmenorrhea (p = 0.04) were less common in HIV-infected women. There were no differences in intermenstrual bleeding or irregular menstrual cycles. Among HIV-infected women, only a past history of substance abuse was significantly associated with menstrual irregularities in a logistic regression model adjusting for age, current and past drug use, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, CD4 count, and category B conditions [1993 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) classification system]. The increase in amenorrhea (> 3 months) and in menstrual cycle intervals > 6 weeks and the lower rates of premenstrual breast symptoms in HIV-positive women suggest the possibility of disturbances in menstrual function that do not appear to be attributable to clinically apparent secondary complications of HIV. Changes in menstrual function were also significantly associated with a past history of, but not current, substance abuse, suggesting the possibility that socioeconomic factors rather than biologic effects of drugs may be responsible.