Is It Menopause or Thyroid Hormonal Imbalance?

May 23, 2019Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolic DiseasesWomen Health

You have been irritable, you have gained weight and you are not sleeping well. If you’re a woman in your late 40s or 50s, you’re probably thinking that the culprit behind this condition is menopause. But do not jump to conclusions. These can be signs of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland function.

Menopause or Thyroid?

With the symptoms mentioned above, if you are facing fatigue, depression, hair loss and hot flashes, it gets tricky to tell whether it is because of menopause or thyroid hormonal imbalance, as both have similar kind of signs.

But understanding what is the reason behind these indications is the key to managing both the conditions.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are more prevalent among women. Women with a family history of thyroid problems or autoimmune issues, such as diabetes, are at a higher risk.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland positioned at the front of your neck. It produces hormones that help manage your body’s metabolism and keep your brain, heart, muscles and other organs working correctly. But sometimes, the thyroid gland may stop working optimally, resulting in an imbalance in hormone levels.

In the case of Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid may make you feel agitated, cranky and nervous. You may feel a racing heart, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, frequent bowel movements, thinning hair, weight loss and irregular periods.

In Hypothyroidism, which is the opposite of Hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland becomes sluggish and slows down your bodily functions.

Seek Medical Advice

It is important to seek medical help to get a proper diagnosis of the issues you are suffering from; if you are aged 45 or above, you may tend to explain away all the symptoms by citing menopause but thyroid issues are equally likely.

The good news is that a simple blood test can help you to rule out a thyroid disorder. If the test does not find abnormal thyroid hormone levels, then menopause is apparently your answer — and you will need to consult your doctor to manage it.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.