It's late at night, 和 you’re wide awake drenched in sweat with heat coursing through your body. While your heart is racing, you’re wondering, “What is happening? Is it the summer heat, or did I just experience a hot flash?”
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not alone. About 60-80% of women in their midlife experience 潮热 (also known as vasomotor symptoms) during 围绝经期 和 更年期, a natural time when the ovaries stop releasing eggs 和 menstruation eventually ends.
“All women go through 更年期; it is not considered a disease but rather a normal life event,” 莫莉·贝克，DNP， a women’s health nurse practitioner at University of Utah Health. “Midlife is traditionally a busy, chaotic time in a woman’s life, with children still at home 和 careers thriving. 然而, it’s imperative to remember that your body is changing, similar to puberty or pregnancy. This new ‘you’ takes active adjustment, 和 it’s important to seek medical care for symptoms that are disruptive or affecting your quality of life.”
到底什么是潮热?
Various medical conditions can cause 潮热, but it is most commonly the first telltale sign of 围绝经期. 直到今天, the underlying mechanism behind 潮热 is not fully understood, particularly because some women don’t experience them at all. 然而, researchers do know these internal heat waves occur when rapidly fluctuating hormones throw off the body's highly complex internal thermostat.
常见的症状 包括:
- Intense heat coursing through the chest, neck, 和 face
- A rapid heart rate 和 a sudden wave of anxiety
- A flushed appearance with red, blotchy skin
- Profuse sweating (known as “night sweats”) while sleeping
- Post-hot flash chills due to an excessive loss of body heat
注意: Episodes typically last 30 seconds to five minutes 和 can reoccur multiple times per day.
How can hormone therapy help?
更年期激素治疗 (MHT) is known as the gold st和ard for managing 潮热 和 many other menopausal symptoms. This prescription medication includes estrogen 和 progesterone (the same hormones normally produced by ovaries during reproductive years) to regulate the body’s hormonal rhythm.
“MHT is the first-line treatment for distressing 和 disruptive vasomotor symptoms, with FDA-approval dating back to the 1940s,贝克说. “In addition to treating menopausal symptoms, MHT can also prevent osteoporosis 和 reduce your risks for diabetes, 结肠直肠癌, 和老年痴呆症.”
As with many prescription medications, MHT is not recommended for everyone. If you have a history of certain types of cancer, 血凝块, 中风, 或者心脏病, talk to your doctor about your risks 和 alternative treatment options.
What else can I do to cool down?
Lifestyle changes coupled with MHT can significantly alleviate those uncomfortable, sweaty episodes. Here are a few healthy habits that can help you keep your cool:
- 限制咖啡因和酒精
- 避免辛辣食物
- Wear cool 和 breathable clothing
- 携带便携风扇
- 不要在烈日下暴晒
- Exercise daily 和 eat a healthy diet
Beck also recommends practicing self-care 和 relaxation techniques to manage anxiety, which has a way of triggering 潮热. 一些选项包括：
- 正念: This is a type of meditation that involves staying in the present moment 和 being in tune with your senses 和 feelings. Techniques include breathing exercises 和 guided imagery.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a form of talk therapy designed to change thinking 和 behavioral patterns. CBT is an effective tool for treating a host of mental health disorders, including anxiety 和 depression.
- 临床催眠: 也被称为催眠疗法, this treatment option changes a patient's state of awareness 和 increases relaxation. Under the guidance of a trained health care provider, hypnosis can help you cope better with anxiety 和 pain.
不要默默承受
Every woman will experience 围绝经期 和 更年期 differently, similar to the varying experiences of women during pregnancy or postpartum. Some may experience minimal symptoms while others may be struggling with daily disruptions. If your symptoms infringe upon your daily life, talk to your doctor about treatment. Keep in mind that 潮热 can persist for five to seven years—和 even longer. That’s a long time to white-knuckle it on your own.
“Menopause 和 the loss of the hormones estrogen 和 progesterone can affect every body system,贝克说. “Your symptoms are not just in your head. If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone. Health care professionals who specialize in 更年期 will listen to you 和, 更重要的是, 相信你.”