title: Characteristics of menstruation in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the characteristics of menstruation in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the impact of immunosuppression on menstruation in HIV-infected women.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, 197 HIV-infected and 189 HIV-uninfected women were interviewed about menstruation and abnormal vaginal bleeding during the previous 12 months. Information was also obtained about CD4+ T-lymphocyte levels of HIV-infected women and other factors, including drug use and weight loss, that might affect menstruation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number and duration of menses in HIV-infected women were not significantly different from those of uninfected women. During a 12-month period, 154 (78%) of 197 HIV-infected women and 150 (80%) of 188 uninfected women had 10-14 menses (P = .74). The proportions of women in the two groups with intermenstrual bleeding, postcoital bleeding, or no bleeding were also similar. In HIV-infected women, menstruation and the prevalence of abnormal vaginal bleeding were not significantly different by CD4+ T-lymphocyte level. By multiple logistic regression analysis, neither HIV infection nor CD4+ T-lymphocyte level less than 200 cells/microL was associated with intermenstrual bleeding, postcoital bleeding, or no bleeding.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that neither HIV infection nor immunosuppression has a clinically relevant effect on menstruation or other vaginal bleeding. Most HIV-infected women menstruate about every 25-35 days, suggesting monthly ovulation and an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
authors.affiliation: Division of HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Ellerbrock
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dole
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Brudney
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Chiasson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000150:complications; D015431:Weight Loss