In this two-part episode, Dr Naomi Sutton and Dr Shema Tariq have a rousing conversation on a topic rarely discussed in public: menopause in persons living with HIV. The first episode begins with Menopause 101: what is menopause and what happens to the body with oestrogen decline. Shema walks listeners through common symptoms like hot flashes, poor sleep, mood changes and dry vaginas; findings from the PRIME study; and how these menopausal symptoms interfere not only with wellbeing and sexual function but the ability of women to manage their HIV. We also learn that a little topical oestrogen goes a long way.

"One in four women will have hot flushes that are so severe that they impact their daily lives and we know it impacts women’s ability to work and also how they function in relationships."

"If people listening to this just take home one thing, it’s to think about topical vaginal oestrogens."

Dr Shema Tariq is a Consultant HIV and Sexual Health Physician at Mortimer Market Centre, and Clinical Academic at University College London's Institute for Global Health. Her main clinical and research interest is the health and wellbeing of women living with HIV. She leads the PRIME Study - one of the largest studies internationally on HIV and menopause. Shema is also part of the GROWS team, developing information and peer support for older women living with HIV, and is a Trustee of Positively UK and Tommy's. Follow her work on Twitter @savoy__truffle and @prime_ucl

UK-UNB-2656

Jan 2024

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