New York health officials update care guidelines for HIV-positive women

The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute recently updated the guidelines for treating women with HIV and who have been diagnosed with menstrual disorders.

According to the new guidelines, women are asked to provide their physicians with all information pertaining to their menstrual cycles, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and use of HIV and non-HIV prescriptions.

Because most menstrual disorders aren't directly related to HIV, doctors are recommended to use the same procedures on HIV-negative patients that are used to treat those who have the virus.

Another addition to the new health regulations requires all female patients to seek immediate emergency care if they experience changes in their breathing, body temperature and pulse, or if they suffer any pregnancy-related or vaginal pain.

Menstrual disorders, which develop because of irregular hormone levels, are commonly diagnosed among postmenopausal women. These complications include bleeding that lasts more than three months, irregular bleeding and early menopause.