Beyond Hot Flashes: Centering Lived Experience in Menopause and HIV

Area of Science:

• Women's Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Gerontology

Background:

• Women living with HIV (HIV) often experience earlier and more severe menopause symptoms.
• These symptoms are frequently misattributed to HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART), or aging, leading to inadequate care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe how lack of recognition for menopause symptoms in women with HIV erodes trust and compromises care.
• To present the four P's nursing lens as a framework to improve menopause care for women with HIV.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on lived experience and qualitative insights.
• Presenting the four P's nursing lens: patterns, physiology, psychosocial, and partnership.
• Emphasizing listening, thorough histories, recognizing overlapping symptoms, and addressing comorbidities and stigma.

Main Results:

• Lack of recognition for menopause symptoms negatively impacts trust and care quality for women with HIV.
• The four P's nursing lens provides a holistic approach to menopause care.
• This framework supports shared decision-making and culturally relevant resources.

Conclusions:

• Centering lived experience is crucial for compassionate, holistic menopause care for women with HIV.
• Integrating menopause care as a standard part of HIV practice enhances patient autonomy and trust.
• The four P's nursing lens offers a practical tool for healthcare providers.