MENSTRUAL SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN INFECTED BY THE HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

Objective: To determine whether there is a higher prevalence of menstr ual symptoms in women seropositive for the human immunodeficiency viru s (HIV) compared to a matched control group and to examine the relatio n between menstrual symptomatology and immunosuppression. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 55 HIV-seropositive women and a matched contr ol group underwent detailed gynecologic assessment. The prevalence of regular cycles, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia was assessed in the two groups. Any association with clinical disease or CD4 lymphocyte count was sought. Results: There we re no significant differences in the prevalence of oligomenorrhea, ame norrhea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, or dyspareunia between the groups. Furthermore, no differences were demonstrated between symptomatic and asymptomatic women infected by HIV, nor was any correlation found bet ween CD4 lymphocyte count and menstrual loss or dysmenorrhea. Conclusi on: Infection with HIV and related immunosuppression do not seem to ha ve a clinically significant effect on menstruation.