Introduction: Women's strength must never be overlooked. Female heroes abound on the frontlines of the pandemic fight, scientific breakthroughs continually showcase women's brilliance, and dedication spans every profession. Women play vital roles in the workplace while tirelessly managing household responsibilities at home. As the year draws to a close, they transform into devoted wives and mothers, diligently preparing the family's New Year's Eve feast.Have you paid special attention to their health? Does she experience unexplained irritability, frequent insomnia, heightened suspicion, persistent fatigue, or unbearable hot flashes...? These are all common challenges women face during menopause.
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As China's population ages rapidly, the number of women entering menopause will continue to rise significantly.As early as 2010, data surveys revealed that China had a staggering 160 million menopausal women, ranking first globally. According to the latest projections by the World Health Organization, by 2030, the global menopausal population will exceed 1.2 billion, with China's count surpassing 210 million. Among these, over 80% of women will experience discomfort or health issues related to menopause.
Moreover, influenced by factors such as increasing societal pressures, the onset of menopausal syndrome is gradually occurring at younger ages. However, neither women currently experiencing these symptoms nor the broader public have given this situation sufficient attention or importance. Yet the resulting consequences could severely impact the health of middle-aged and elderly women, and even family harmony. Therefore, scientific treatment and prognosis management of menopausal syndrome have become particularly crucial.
Are You Experiencing Menopausal Symptoms?
Menopause refers to the period around the cessation of menstruation, typically encompassing the 2-3 years preceding menopause and the subsequent post-menopausal phase, also known as perimenopause. In recent years, influenced by societal pressures and other factors, many women around age 40 have begun experiencing menopausal issues, yet most lack clear self-awareness of these changes.
Professor Yu Qi, Director of the Endocrine and Reproductive Gynecology Center at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, explains: "In simple terms, menopause refers to the true 'menstrual irregularity' experienced by most women entering their 40s to 50s, accompanied by a series of symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, irritability, and sleep disturbances."However, public awareness of menopausal disorders remains insufficient. Most women in this phase adopt a "go with the flow" or "endure" attitude, believing that "it will pass after a while." Few seek medical care to address the physical issues caused by menopausal syndrome through systematic medical treatment.While modern life expectancy has significantly increased, with health and quality of life being key pursuits, insufficient attention to menopause management may negatively impact the quality of life for these women.Therefore, to navigate menopause smoothly and achieve a healthier, happier post-menopausal life, beyond balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, and emotional regulation, the most crucial step is comprehensive menopause treatment and management—which includes addressing menopausal hot flashes.
When Your Body Changes Quietly, Don't Just Endure It
In China, over 80% of women aged 41 to 60 in the perimenopausal stage experience various menopausal symptoms to varying degrees, such as spontaneous hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, fatigue, and feelings of despair or irritability.The incidence of menopausal hot flashes is as high as approximately 80%, with severe cases accounting for 10% to 20% of all patients.Hot flashes are the most common and typical symptom of menopause. They result from ovarian failure and declining sex hormone levels, causing an imbalance in body temperature regulation. This is also known as vasomotor symptoms (VMS).
The primary clinical manifestation of menopausal hot flashes is a sudden sensation of intense heat, often starting in the face, neck, or chest and spreading throughout the body.During an episode, the face may become noticeably flushed and hot, often accompanied by sweating on the upper body and a rapid heartbeat. Some individuals experience profuse sweating. As the hot flash subsides, the body may feel chilled or shiver. Each episode typically lasts 1 to 5 minutes and can recur multiple times within an hour.
The frequency of hot flashes varies significantly among individuals, with each woman developing her own distinct pattern and rhythm. Mild cases may occur several times daily or just once or twice a month, while severe cases can involve over ten episodes daily or more. Symptoms peak in intensity 1–2 years before menopause. Approximately 25%–50% of women experience hot flashes for up to 5 years, while about 10%–15% endure them for 10–15 years or longer.Hot flashes during menopause may be accompanied by palpitations, anxiety, mood disturbances, and sleep disorders.
It is evident that hot flashes significantly impact the health and quality of life for this group of women. Consequently, research into the prevention and treatment of perimenopausal hot flashes has become an essential societal need.Regarding current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for menopausal hot flashes, Professor Yu Qi noted, "With increasing medical attention and research advancements, treatment options for menopausal hot flashes continue to evolve. Beyond traditional hormone replacement therapy, non-hormonal therapies now offer patients more diverse and effective choices. For instance, a novel mechanism drug—already preparing for market launch abroad and concurrently undergoing Phase III clinical trials in China—This medication directly targets the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes by regulating this central mechanism, thereby improving quality of life for menopausal women. As a non-hormonal treatment, it theoretically minimizes side effects associated with estrogen therapy while offering new hope for patients with contraindications or restrictions on estrogen use. We welcome women experiencing menopausal hot flashes to participate in clinical trials.
At the conclusion of the interview, Professor Yu emphasized:Women navigating menopause must prioritize managing this phase mentally and adopt scientifically sound treatment approaches. This is essential to prevent serious conditions triggered by menopausal syndrome, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic metabolic issues in later life. Do not cling to the false hope that 'it will pass if I endure it,' as this may ultimately lead to irreversible consequences.Indeed, treating menopausal syndrome merely as a natural part of aging and passively enduring it will only exacerbate the condition. Ultimately, many may regret their initial disregard for their own health."
Care is needed, but scientific management is essential
Menopause is a crucial phase in a woman's life cycle. As an inevitable stage in every woman's journey, the symptoms that arise during menopause deserve adequate attention and timely, scientifically informed management.Women navigating menopause need to cultivate a proactive mindset through accurate understanding, seek medical advice early, and adhere to prescribed treatments. Systematic medical intervention can alleviate symptoms and safeguard health. Simultaneously, society should offer greater care and support to menopausal women, helping them smoothly transition through this phase. This enables them to manage menopausal symptoms with composure while achieving a higher quality of life.