Symptoms including weariness, mental dullness, and weight fluctuations are frequent in women over 40. But are they brought on by menopause or a thyroid condition? In order to manage your symptoms and maintain maximum health and wellness, let's discuss what you should know about perimenopause, menopause, your thyroid, and other related topics. In this article, Dr. Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar shares everything that menopausal women should know about thyroid.
What you need to know about Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid does not produce and release enough thyroid hormone into your circulation, it is known as hypothyroidism. Your metabolism becomes slower as a result. Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, can make you feel exhausted, put on weight, and have trouble with cold weather. Hormone replacement therapy is the primary method of treatment for hypothyroidism.
Low thyroid hormone production is a symptom of this illness. Some symptoms of menopause and hypothyroidism are similar. The majority of women in their middle years also have hypothyroidism. Women are going through menopause at this time. Continue reading to find out more about how your thyroid and menopause are related, as well as how hypothyroidism may impact menopausal symptoms and consequences.
Also Read: How Thyroid Impacts Fertility: Hypothyroidism & Beyond
Let’s talk about Menopause now
Menopause is a normal change that affects women and marks the end of menstruation permanently. A woman has experienced menopause when she has had her last menstruation and has gone 12 months without having one. Hormonal changes are typical throughout perimenopause, which is the period before menopause, and menopause. In some women, this may even be the time that hypothyroidism manifests.
Many symptoms of hypothyroidism and menopause are similar.
Even if you've had hypothyroidism for some time, the distinction between the two conditions might become hazy as you get older and approach menopause. Hypothyroidism symptoms might be mistaken for menopause-related symptoms. The identical symptoms include:
- Shortened menstrual cycles
- The quantity of bleeding has changed
- Interruption of sleep
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Forgetfulness
- Gaining weight
- Arid skin
- Hair fall
Risks and difficulties
The risk of menopause-related disorders might be increased by thyroid issues. For instance, osteoporosis, a disorder in which bone density is decreased, is more likely to occur in women following menopause. The risk of the illness might also be increased by an overactive thyroid.
Similar to how menopause raises the risk of cardiovascular disease, thyroid issues similarly raise the risk. Thyroid issues may work together in this way to raise the risk of difficulties during menopause.
Taking Care of Hypothyroidism While in Menopause
Menopause symptoms may get worse if you have hypothyroidism. Therefore, it's crucial to continue hypothyroidism medication during menopause rather than brushing off your symptoms. Elevated cholesterol from untreated thyroid illness may result in atherosclerosis, heart attack, or stroke risk as well as increased cholesterol. Additionally, hypertension brought on by hypothyroidism may result in similar cardiac problems. Osteoporosis is also a documented result of overusing thyroid hormones.
Healthcare professionals are trained to modify thyroid therapy depending on your unique needs, including those that arise after menopause. People using levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism may notice a shift in their thyroid hormone requirements, often downward, when oestrogen levels decline around menopause.
Conclusion
The symptoms of the menopause and thyroid issues may be identical. HRT and phytoestrogen supplements don't appear to impair healthy thyroid function, but they could make it harder for hypothyroid patients to absorb their thyroxine medicine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any alternative, complementary, or "natural" medications for menopausal symptoms.
