This presentation will explore the lived experience of women living with HIV (WLWH) as they navigate menopause and the intersections with HIV and aging stigma. As a woman living with HIV, I also intend to briefly touch on the clinical care experience from the patient perspective and its impact on engagement in care. WLWH have the double stigma that surrounds both HIV and aging. Feelings of shame, reduced sense of worth, loss of vitality, and reduction in sexual attractiveness and desire are common, and multiplied in both populations. The desired outcome of this talk is the intentional investment of clinicians and researchers in exploring the quality of life of the women they serve as it relates to menopause. There must be research in all aspects of women’s health as it relates to HIV and the transitions that women experience aging with the disease process. Quality of life can only be achieved when women are given the tools and information to make informed decisions about their health. Shared decision making which is a critical component of quality care can only be effective when comfortability and willingness to engage exist.
CROI Conference
