Dear Doctor, five years ago I found out I was Hiv + and in the early stages of menopause. I am very fortunate that I don't have to take any meds. My cd4 count is 1200 and my vl is 1000 - my concern is that in my early stages of menopause I had the hot flashes and night sweats - since I'm unable to take HRT due to blood clots from birth control pills, I resorted to naturl relief by taking 800 ml of vitiamin E, soy products, black coherst and so on. At first it relieved my discomfort but lately the sweats wake me at night - I sweat profusely even in a/c rooms, any sort of activity brings on the sweats not to mention stress. Is this normal for menopause or is it the combination of both? When will it stop or will it ever stop. I thought by sweating so much I would lose weight! instead I find myself gaining - please tell me what I can do for relief.

I suggest you talk to your gynecologist about other options. You are correct that your history of deep venous thrombosis (clots) limits what you can take. Given you are not on any HIV medications, you do not have to worry about drug interactions. Your HIV status should not have any bearing on what your gynecologist prescribes for you. It is unlikely your HIV infection is contributing to increased symptoms of menopause.