Effect of HIV-1 infection and increasing immunosuppression on menstrual function

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, pattern and determinants of menstrual abnormalities in HIV-positive Nigerian women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 3473 (2549 HIV-seropositive and 924 seronegative) consecutive and consenting women seen at the HIV treatment centers at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos and the Federal Medical Centre, Markurdi. Results: The sociodemographic characteristics of the two groups were comparable, except for body mass index (BMI): the HIV-negative women (28.1 +/- 8.1) had statistically significantly (P < 0.005) higher BMI compared to the HIV-positive women (21.9 +/- 7.5). Menstrual abnormalities were significantly more common in women living with HIV/AIDS (29.1%) compared to the HIV-negative (18.9%) women (P < 0.001). The proportions of women in the two groups with intermenstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, hypermenorrhea, and postcoital bleeding were similar (P > 0.005), however amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, irregular periods and secondary dysmenorrhea were more common in the HIV-positive women (P < 0.02). Primary dysmenorrhea was less common in HIV-positive women (P < 0.03). Among the HIV-positive women, menstrual dysfunction was more common in women living with HIV/AIDS with opportunistic infections, CD4 count < 200, not undertaking therapy, symptomatic disease and BMI < 20. However, after controlling for cofounders, only CD4 < 200 (odds ratio [OR], 3.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-9.7), BMI < 20 (OR, 2.4; 95%CI, 1.3-3.5) and not taking antiretroviral drugs (OR, 2.05; CI, 1.7-6.5) were associated with amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, irregular periods and secondary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: HIV-positive women in this study experienced more menstrual abnormalities of amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and irregular periods compared to the HIV-negative controls. HIV-positive women with CD4 count < 200, BMI < 20 and who do not take antiretroviral drugs are at the greatest risk.