Thyroid problems are more common than most people realize but often go undiagnosed for years. If you have unexplained issues such as fatigue, muscle weakness or pain, or temperature intolerance, your thyroid could be to blame.
The symptoms of menopause and thyroid disorders are so similar that it’s often hard to tell what’s really going on in your body.
As a skilled endocrinologist, Ana Maria Kausel, MD understands how confusing the symptoms of both menopause and a thyroid disorder can be. She offers on-site blood testing to evaluate your thyroid and estrogen levels to figure out which condition is causing your discomfort. This can help you understand why you’re experiencing issues like sleep disturbances, weight gain, and changes in your mood.
In this article, we’ll explain the connection between menopause and thyroid disorder, identify which symptoms overlap, and review the best ways to approach treatment.
Menopause is the time in a woman’s life when her monthly periods stop for good and production of the estrogen hormone significantly decreases.
If you have a thyroid disorder, on the other hand, that means your thyroid either produces too much or too little of necessary hormones.
Having a thyroid condition can worsen symptoms of menopause. Another link between the two is that thyroid problems and menopause are most common in middle-aged women.
While there are differences between menopause and thyroid symptoms, many of them overlap — making it difficult to determine what’s causing your issues. Blood testing is often necessary to identify the root cause of symptoms like:
The loss of estrogen due to menopause and thyroid dysfunction can also increase your risk for osteoporosis, a progressive condition that causes loss of bone density and makes you prone to fractures.
Low hormone levels common in menopause and thyroid disorders may also put you at increased risk for chronic, long-term cardiovascular health complications.
Once Dr. Kausel reviews the results of your blood work, she can customize a treatment plan to address either a thyroid disorder or menopause.
Treatment for either condition usually involves rebalancing hormone levels through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). While HRT isn’t right for everyone, Dr. Kausel can determine if it’s a good fit for you based on the severity of your symptoms, your age, your current health, and medical history.
By rebalancing hormones, you can see a significant decrease in your symptoms. Aside from that, you can also make sure you’re getting enough exercise and eating heart-healthy foods.
Dr. Kausel can also offer guidance on the mental health issues that both menopause and thyroid disorders cause. She can recommend resources for coping with stress and managing the symptoms of depression or anxiety that interfere with your quality of life.
While the symptoms of a thyroid disorder and/or menopause can be overwhelming, there are options available to help you manage them in both the short-term and long-term. Find out more about treatments for symptoms of menopause and thyroid dysfunction by calling our office or booking a consultation with Dr. Kausel online.
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