January 2003
Menopause and Its HIV Connection
First of all, menopause is a natural process that happens
to every woman sooner or later. It is a gradual process that usually takes
between 3-5 years, starting when we are anywhere from 40 to 55 years old. It
appears that HIV positive women often start earlier and take longer to complete
the change. This may be due to the HIV itself inducing early onset of menopause
or possibly that the symptoms from both situations are similar. During this
time pre-menstrual symptoms often intensify becoming rather difficult to cope
with. Menopause is said to be complete only after you have not menstruated for
12 months in a row. Three manifestations of menopause are: 1) The ovaries stop
producing the female sex hormone estrogen. 2) We stop menstruating (having our
period). 3) We can no longer have children.
Lets talk about some of the symptoms of menopause and what
we can do to reduce their effect on us.
Hot flashes a sensation of heat in the face or the whole
upper part of the body. They can be accompanied by a rapid heartbeat. You may
feel a shortness of breath, sweat, have a tingly sensation of the skin or
chill. You can talk to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. This
often helps relieve hot flashes, sweats and helps protect you from some forms
of cancer. Other things we can do that help are reduce or eliminate caffeine
and alcohol from our diet. Take a vitamin E supplement. Drink 8 glasses of
water a day and try and stay out of hot, humid weather.
Skin and hair changes; our skin becomes less firm and
drier; our hair becomes thinner and more brittle. Things we can do are, avoid
excessive hair dyeing, perming, straightening, braiding and blow-drying our
hair. Stress can affect our hair growth and its health, so find ways to reduce
your stress. Taking B-complex vitamins can help relieve dry skin and hair. Some
shampoos are also easier on your hair and will replace needed oils. Use skin
moisturizers but not ones that are overly fragrant.
Insomnia (not being able to sleep) and night sweats can
make us uncomfortable and irritable. We can help by avoiding caffeine,
especially in the evening. Reduce stresses and worries if you can. Sleep in
breathable fabric like cotton and linen (avoid flannel). Drink lots of water;
keep a glass by your bed.
Fatigue the feeling of being tired all the time can be
helped by setting up a weekly routine of going to sleep and getting up at the
same time each day. Do as much exercise as you can: it reduces stress, builds
strength and makes you feel good. Keep food around that is good for you and
easy to fix or eat raw foods (fruits, vegetables, salads) so that you can
provide nutrients to your body even when you don’t feel like cooking.
Emotional changes and mood swings this can be a difficult
thing for everyone to deal with. Let your family and friends know what you are
going through, not to use it as an excuse, but we all cope better when we know
what is going on. Exercise can help here too; it burns up excess bitchiness
(hormones) and improves everyone’s mood. Meditation and herbal supplements
can minimize depression and mood swings. Talk to your doctor about additional
herbal supplements.
Take care of your whole selves my friends! Erica
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