Question about periods?

[Pammypoo]

I was just diagnosed HIV+ a couple weeks ago, I go Tues for my first visit with my new Doctor and should get the results of my blood tests, I guess I then will find out my levels and whats going on if I will have to start taking meds yet or not or whatever the plan will be. But anyway, my question is does being HIV+ have any effect on your periods? I have not had a period for a couple of months now...I know I am not pregnant, my tubes are tied and I know they did a pregnancy test. Just wondering if anyone knows if it has anything to do with it.

Thanks!!

[Ann]

Hi Pam, good to hear from you again.

There are lots of things that can affect our periods. To be honest, most positive women I know who have reported changes have reported heavier and sometimes more frequent periods than normal.

But, advanced hiv infection is a possible cause. As we don't yet know what your numbers are like, there's no point in speculating whether or not that's the cause.

For example, for you it could be totally non-hiv-related causes. Something like your rapid weight-loss due to your gastric by-pass is a potential cause. Your age could also be a potential cause. Some women will start through the Change as early as in their early thirties and so this is something to consider.

Until you have a better idea of where your numbers are at, there's no way of telling if hiv has anything to do with your monthly absence.

Please make sure you mention this to your doctor when you see him/her. It's important that your healthcare provider knows all these things, no matter how trivial or embarrassing they may seem to you. Remember that they've heard it all before and just be honest with them. It's for YOUR benefit.

Good luck and please do come back to let us know how your first appointment went. Take a small notebook and pen with you so you can write down what you're told. It's amazing how easy it is to forget what was said once you leave that office.

Hang in there hun, you're going to be ok.

Ann

[Pammypoo]

Thank you so much for your response, I know stress can also have an effect on periods so that could be it to. I just thought I would check and see. I am so nervous about my appt Tues. but I know once I find out what my numbers are and what the plan will be I think that I will at least know a little better what the future holds for me. I will for sure report back after my appt once I have my numbers as I will probably have more questions.
Is there any advice you can give on any other things I might want to ask while I am there?

Thanks again!

PS. I am so happy I found this site...to hear the stories from other woman who are living with this and have been for a long time gives me great hope for my future.

[Ann]

Hi Pam,

Your numbers are probably the most important part of your first doctor visit. He should give you a full physical as well, along with asking YOU plenty of questions about your health history and how you've been feeling.

If he hasn't already ordered a full blood work-up to look at everything, he'll probably order one. Ask about this. If he has the full results, ask what they mean, whether they're normal or not. You can find out what blood tests he should be running by looking at the Lesson on The Blood Tests You'll Need. If you look through some of the other Lessons, other questions may come to mind.

It would be a good idea to have a complete STI check-up, including being tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. All positve people should be screened for these. He should also have a genotype test run on your virus, if this hasn't already been done.

If he doesn't tell you your CD4%, ask what it is - this is a very handy number to know. If he says anything you don't understand, don't be afraid to speak up and ask for an explaination. It's your health and you have every right to understand what's going on.

Write down your questions before the appointment because it's really easy to forget what you wanted to ask when you're in the office, and write down the answers too.

I hope your appointment goes well. You'll probably be a bit nervous - that's normal. Just remember to write your questions down, along with the answers. I still do this even though I'm not nervous anymore before/during my appointments - it's just too easy to forget something.

Good luck. By coincidence, I'm seeing my poz doc tomorrow too, so I'll be thinking of you. Looking forward to hearing about it...

Ann


PS - the Lesson Special Issues for Women is another good lesson for you to read before your appointment.