Are Your Symptoms Thyroid or Perimenopause Related?

The symptoms of early menopause can be confusing for many women. When you add the potential for thyroid issues into the mix, it’s a recipe for confusion. Are those extra pounds because of aging or hypothyroidism? Is fluctuating estrogen responsible for your mood swings and increased fatigue, or is it something else?

This article covers how the thyroid works, why it’s important for health, and why perimenopause can be so easily confused with thyroid conditions.

You’ll also find tips on holistic strategies to keep your thyroid healthy and protect your wellbeing.

Thyroid Function

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is wrapped around your windpipe (trachea) at the front of your neck. It secretes hormones that manage many critical body functions, including heart rate, temperature, metabolism, menstrual cycles, and more.

The two main hormones produced by the thyroid are commonly known as T3 and T4. The pituitary gland in the brain produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which regulates the thyroid gland’s production of T3 and T4.

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease affects over 12% of the U.S. population. Over half of people do not know they have a thyroid condition.

Thyroid conditions can be triggered by many factors, including nutrient deficiencies, fluoride and heavy metal toxicity, a major illness or virus, pregnancy and childbirth, and stress.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when T3 and T4 levels are too high.

Hypothyroidism occurs when T3 and T4 levels are too low.

Both hyper and hypothyroidism can create symptoms that mimic perimenopause. They can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, sleep, body temperature, mood and digestion.

Women are several times more likely to experience thyroid conditions than men. Most issues begin to appear around age 35 and become more common with age. As many as 20% of women over 65 have hypothyroidism.

Perimenopause or Thyroid Symptoms?

Fluctuating estrogen levels during the menopause transition influence thyroid function by affecting the hormone pathways that regulate its T3 and T4 production. While shifting thyroid hormone levels during the menopause transition are not well understood, they may be a factor in menopause symptoms.

Clearly, thyroid hormones and estrogen both influence each other, and affect how your body feels. The question becomes: How do you know if your symptoms are related to perimenopause or a thyroid condition?

Perimenopause or Hypothyroidism?

The symptoms of hypothyroidism (too little T3 and T4) include experiences that are also common in menopause:

• More rapid fatigue

• Dry skin

• Constipation

• Feeling cold

• Feeling down

• Memory issues

• Menstrual cycle changes

The autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease occurs when your immune system attacks your thyroid. You may develop an enlarged thyroid (goiter) which can make the front of your neck look swollen. People with another autoimmune condition or a family history of Hashimoto’s have a higher risk of developing it.

Unsurprisingly, hypothyroidism can be overlooked if a person’s symptoms are attributed to perimenopause and no testing is done.

There is no uniform agreement about best practices for thyroid testing. Many clinical guidelines recommend screening women’s TSH level beginning at age 40 and every five years after that.

Discuss thyroid issues with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing menopause symptoms but haven’t had recent thyroid testing.

Untreated hypothyroidism raises cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the risk of heart disease and other conditions. Fortunately, it is diagnosed with a simple blood test and is well-managed with a medication called levothyroxine.

10 Holistic Practices to Improve Thyroid Health

Although there is no cure for thyroid disease, medication, lifestyle changes, and consistent monitoring can help you get back to feeling like yourself.

These following healthy habits can help you maximize your thyroid health:

1. Eat a healthy diet with a wide variety of plants.

2. Get adequate iodine from sea vegetables, iodized salt, fish, and eggs (Note: natural sea salt does not contain iodine).

3. Include more foods containing selenium, such as Brazil nuts, spinach, and tuna.

4. Avoid frequent consumption of cruciferous vegetables, particularly when raw.

5. Eliminate inflammatory foods like gluten, refined sugars, and dairy.

6. Add in gut-healing foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics.

7. Improve your sleep to reduce your body’s stress load.

8. Get plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

9. Reduce and manage your stress level.

10. Review all of your medications and supplements with your healthcare provider, as some may interfere with the body’s absorption of thyroid hormone.

Once you’ve followed these guidelines for a couple of months, speak with your provider about re-evaluating your thyroid function and adjusting your medication as needed. You may be able to reduce your dosage of thyroid medication. Never make adjustments to your medication without consulting your doctor first.

The Benefits of Thyroid Health

A healthy thyroid can help keep your metabolism under control, avoid disruptive symptoms and minimize your health risks. Around menopause, this becomes all the more important.

If you suspect that you have thyroid issues, or have not had your thyroid hormone levels tested in midlife, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Whether it’s perimenopause or a thyroid issue, you deserve to be heard and for your symptoms to be investigated.

To connect with a menopause expert, request an appointment with Mayo Clinic below. You can also discuss your concerns and get help navigating the next step by connecting with Midday’s menopause coach. Just tap the chat icon in the upper right corner of your screen to get started.