Still,menopauseand thyroid disease are intertwined.
Not only do their effects overlap, but thyroid hormones andestrogencan influence each other and exacerbate symptoms.
Furthermore, the medical management of thyroid disease can have an impact on menopausal symptoms, and vice versa.
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Tests that measure your thyroid hormones can help sort out the cause and guide your treatment.
(Early menopause can also occur due to certain medical treatments.)
Thyroid disease can occur due to under-activity or overactivity of thethyroid glandin the neck.
Estrogen hormones and thyroid hormones act on many cells and organs of the body.
Given this, the symptoms of these conditions overlap substantially and have a compounding effect.
Changes in Menstruation
Perimenopause is typically associated with irregular periods and/or missed periods.
Menopause, by definition, is a complete cessation of periods.
Energy Level
Generally, perimenopause and menopause are associated with low energy, as is hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism often results in high energy, but it’s typically pretty unfocused and unproductive.
Sleep
Women may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep during perimenopause.
Many women complain of waking up too early in the morning after menopause.
Hyperthyroidism typically causes insomnia, while hypothyroidism results in an increased need for sleep.
Weight Changes
Most women experience weight gain during perimenopause with stabilization of weight after menopause.
Hypothyroidism often causes weight gain, and hyperthyroidism usually leads to weight loss.
Mood
Perimenopause is associated with mood swings, and menopause may increase the risk of depression.
Body Temperature
Women who are perimenopausal may feel cold all the time.
But women can also experience hot flashes during the perimenopausal years, and sometimes after menopause too.
Hypothyroidism may make you feel cold, and hyperthyroidism can make you feel hot and sweaty.
Digestive Problems
Hyperthyroidism may cause diarrhea, and hypothyroidism often causes constipation.
Thyroid Testing
Diagnosis of thyroid disease requires blood tests that measure thyroid hormones.
Menopause is not an illness.
You may have bone X-rays to search for earlyosteoporosis.
Menopause, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism can all increase the risk of osteoporosis.
And you will likely have your blood pressure monitored for the detection of early hypertension.
These issues lead to serious consequences, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
You might also be asked about your mood so your medical team can identify signs of depression or anxiety.
Finally, further testing may be needed if there is a serious concern regarding menopause or thyroid disease.
Keep in mind that you might not need this jot down of hormonal treatment forever.
For example, women who have depression may benefit from taking an antidepressant.
And osteoporosis may be treated with prescription therapy likeFosomax (alendronate), which helps prevent bone breakdown.
Once you’re diagnosed, there are treatments that can reduce your health risks and make you more comfortable.
2018;21(6):542-548.doi:10.1080/13697137.2018.1514004
