更年期与乳腺癌
乳腺癌的治疗往往导致女性进入 更年期 过早. The change in hormone levels and estrogen depletion caused by stopping hormone replacement therapy or undergoing chemotherapy or hormonal therapy can trigger side effects commonly associated with 更年期.
Although each woman reacts to therapy individually, certain side effects are common. We hope this information will provide you with useful tips to help you manage any side effects that you may be experiencing.
在实施这些管理策略之前, please discuss your specific symptoms with your physician or nurse and ask any questions you may have. 如果你正在看补充或替代医学从业者, please let us know what you are using so we can incorporate the information into your care plan.
潮热
潮热可能是更年期最常见的副作用. Triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, tight clothing, heat and stress. 如果你的潮热很烦人,尽量避免这些事情.
食物, 比如豆制品(豆浆), 豆腐, soynuts) and flaxseeds (either ground or in oil form) have been shown to reduce hot flashes in some women. 如果可能的话,在你的饮食中尝试这些. We have helpful written materials on soy products and how to incorporate them into your diet.
潮热 tend to be worse at night, but a few simple things can make you more comfortable:
- 穿上棉质睡衣,在凉爽的房间里开着风扇睡觉
- 使用棉质法兰绒或“t恤”床单来吸收水分
- Keep a change of sheets and pajamas close to your bed so that you can change them quickly if they are wet from perspiration
- 睡前洗个热水澡或淋浴
松弛反应, 其中包括深腹式呼吸, 已被证明对健康有许多有益的影响, 包括减少潮热. It will help you stay calm and possibly avoid or reduce the severity of a hot flash. 试着慢慢来, 慢, 深呼吸, 如果可能的话,每分钟呼吸七到八次, 当你感到潮热时. 继续这样做15分钟.
日常锻炼也可以减少潮热. 每天至少做20到30分钟的有氧运动, 我们建议每周至少三次. 有氧运动包括步行, 运行, 游泳, biking or any other exercise that keeps your heart rate elevated for an extended time period.
We have an information sheet describing aerobic exercise that will be helpful for you. 如果你还没有一个有规律的锻炼计划, please consult with your physician or nurse to see what type of exercises may be best for you.
有些处方药对一些女性有益. 当前的一个例子是文拉法辛(文拉法辛). 这种药是一种低剂量的抗抑郁药, 还可以减少潮热的频率和严重程度.
睡眠障碍
潮热会影响健康的夜间睡眠,而且 失眠 是很常见的. 一些帮助你避免失眠的建议包括:
- 只有当你累了才去睡觉.
- 只在床上睡觉. 不读书、不吃饭、不看电视.
- 每天在同一时间起床,尽管晚上没睡好.
- 如果你无法入睡, 卧床时间不要超过15分钟, 而是站起来, 到另一个房间去,只有当你累了才回去睡觉.
- Try to avoid sleeping pills if possible, but if necessary be sure to follow the directions.
- Avoid caffeinated foods like coffee, cola, and chocolate especially at nighttime.
- 避免尼古丁和酒精,尤其是在夜间.
- 有规律的锻炼是有益的.
性的困难
A lack of estrogen and testosterone can cause many side effects that interfere with sexual desire and function. A decreased libido (or sex drive) 是很常见的 and many authors say this may be related to decreases in estrogen and testosterone levels.
阴道干燥通常会引起不适和刺激, 性交时阴道分泌物或感染和疼痛. 尝试使用非处方药, water-based vaginal lubricant like Astroglide or K-Y Jelly to reduce pain during intercourse. 像凡士林这样的油基润滑剂 不 推荐. Over the counter products with scents, alcohol or other additives should also be avoided. 雷芬是一种阴道保湿剂,也可以帮助缓解干燥.
Talk with your doctor or nurse if you have questions about how to use these products. You may want to discuss products requiring a prescription — for example a topical ointment containing low dose testosterone or very low dose estrogen products — with your physician as well.
We have an informative sheet on "Sexuality and Cancer" which is a good resource. The booklet "Sexuality and Cancer: For the Woman Who Has Cancer and Her Partner,美国癌症协会的报告, 也是一个很好的信息来源吗.
焦虑和情绪变化
再次强调,锻炼有助于稳定你的情绪变化,减少焦虑. 如果你做20到30分钟的有氧运动有困难, 每周三次, then begin with what you are comfortable with and try to increase your exercise program when you are ready.
Invoking the relaxation response by using deep abdominal breathing will also help you to relax, 减少焦虑,稳定情绪变化.
也建议与专业人士交谈.
内存问题
记忆困难在中年很常见,尤其是在更年期. Tools to help you compensate for any memory challenges you may be experiencing include:
- 制定待办事项清单
- 制定详细的日历
- 把钥匙、钱包和眼镜等重要物品放在指定的地方
- Leaving a reminder at your door to check the stove and other appliances to make sure they are turned off
- 保持良好的营养和水分
- 通过阅读和与他人交谈来保持大脑活跃
预防骨质疏松症
骨质疏松症 随着年龄的增长,所有女性都有风险吗. 然而, 患有乳腺癌的女性必须特别小心, because most doctors advise they avoid taking additional hormones that help prevent osteoporosis.
某些药物,如阿仑膦酸钠(Fosamax), 降钙素和雷洛昔芬(Evista)可以帮助提高钙水平. These drugs might be appropriate for you, but should be discussed with your physician. 最后, maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise helps prevent fractures and maintain bone strength.
加州大学旧金山分校健康医学专家已经审查了这些信息. It is for educational purposes only and is 不 intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.