Reflections on a specialist HIV menopause service: Experiences of managing menopause in women living with HIV: Experiences of managing menopause in women living with HIV.

Abstract

We describe here characteristics and clinical outcomes of women living with HIV attending an HIV menopause service. This was a retrospective case note review of women attending the monthly HIV menopause clinic from January 2015 to July 2018. In all, 55 women attended the service. The overall mean age was 49years; 50% were black and 20% had a previous AIDS-defining condition. All were on antiretroviral therapy (ART); the median CD4 count was 678 cells/µL; 93% had a viral load <50 copies/mL; 7% had previous hepatitis C infection; 27% had a history of smoking; 45% had risk factors or existing cardiovascular disease; 24% had a mental health condition. The median duration of symptoms before clinic attendance was 18months. Vasomotor symptoms (84%), menstrual cycle changes (62%), psychological (56%) and urogenital symptoms (29%) were reported. Twenty-two per cent had early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency. The mean age at attendance of women diagnosed with menopause (n=24) was 52years. However, their average duration of symptoms prior to review was 28months. A total of 61% had osteopenia/osteoporosis, 73% received menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), and 73% had symptomatic improvement, although 58% of these required higher doses of MHT. Median time on MHT was 10months. Five patients had their ART modified. No serious MHT adverse effects were observed. Menopausal hormone therapy uptake was high, with most women observing an improvement in symptoms. Comorbidities were common, highlighting the need for integrated care based on a woman's needs. The long delay from initial symptoms to treatment demonstrates the need for better access to specialist advice for women experiencing menopause.