Menopause and Hypothyroidism: Why the Symptoms Can Be Confusing
If you’re going through menopause, you’ve probably experienced some—if not all —of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
Did you know these same symptoms can also be linked to hypothyroidism (a condition where your thyroid gland is underactive and doesn’t work as it should)?
Menopause and hypothyroidism share several symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, sleep problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Because the symptoms overlap, it can be difficult to determine whether menopause, an underactive thyroid, or both are affecting how you feel.
At Belmar Pharma Solutions, we totally understand that you are feeling uncomfortable or worse, you are straight-out struggling, but this time don’t try to channel your inner Taylor Swift and “Shake It Off!” Learn what may be going on with your body so you can confidently work with your doctor to find a solution.
This article explores how menopause and hypothyroidism are connected, which symptoms they share, and when it may be appropriate to speak with your healthcare provider about thyroid testing and available therapies.
How Hormonal Changes During Menopause Affect the Body
In menopause, your ovaries stop producing eggs and dramatically slow estrogen production, the main female sex hormone.
Menopause is a natural stage of life marked by the end of menstrual periods, and a significant decline in estrogen and progesterone production. These hormonal changes can affect multiple systems throughout the body, including metabolism, sleep, mood, temperature regulation, and sexual health.
Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the endocrine system and help regulate:
- Appetite and metabolism
- Body temperature
- Growth and development
- Heart rate
- Mood and stress levels
- Reproductive cycles and sexual function
Menopause is something women typically experience in their late 40s to early 50s. Perimenopause, the stage leading up to full menopause, usually starts in a woman’s 40s, but may also start as early as her 30s. This decline in hormone production, especially estrogen, not only impacts your fertility but also can have a not-so-great effect on your general health.
With an imbalance of these hormones comes the symptoms of menopause, which may include:
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
You might not want to do anything if your symptoms are mild or short-lived, but if you are considering medical intervention, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be “just what the doctor ordered” for managing uncomfortable menopause symptoms. BHRT uses bioidentical hormones to supplement your body’s natural supply when you aren’t producing enough on your own. Compounding pharmacy organizations like Belmar Pharma Solutions, can customize bioidentical hormones for an individual patient, according to a doctor’s orders. Now, let’s take a closer look at hypothyroidism.
How Hypothyroidism Affects Energy, Metabolism, and Mood
First things first, do you know where your thyroid is?
It’s that butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck, and it controls how your body uses energy. Thyroid hormones regulate a wide range of bodily functions, and almost every organ in your body is affected by your thyroid.
The thyroid influences the following:
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Emotions
- Heart rate
- Weight
Hypothyroidism, also called low or underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones which then may cause your body’s processes to slow down. Some treatments can help correct this type of hormonal imbalance. But more on this later. First, let’s dive into how hypothyroidism is often linked to menopause.
How Are Menopause and Hypothyroidism Connected?
Shared Symptoms of Menopause and Hypothyroidism
Menopause and hypothyroidism share a lot of the same symptoms, including:
- Changes in weight or libido
- Chills
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Hair loss
- Infertility
- Light or irregular periods
- Mood swings
- Sleep problems
- Spotting
The severity of these symptoms is likely to increase if you are going through menopause and have hypothyroidism simultaneously.
Long-Term Health Risks of Menopause and Hypothyroidism
Note that a thyroid disorder may increase your risk for long-term complications of menopause like osteoporosis or loss of bone density.
Another common complication of hypothyroidism is the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The good news is that there are ways to treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism and menopause so that you can get back to feeling normal again so never lose hope!
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Hypothyroidism During Menopause?
Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About Thyroid Testing
What can you do if you suspect that menopause is linked to a thyroid issue? Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Remember, trying to “shake it off” probably won’t work. Your doctor can diagnose your symptoms properly, and if needed, will prescribe therapies that can help you feel better ASAP! If it turns out to be hypothyroidism, don’t worry! There are ways to manage it, so you feel like yourself again.
Therapy Options for Hypothyroidism
Some doctors may recommend thyroid hormone replacement or supplementation. Commercial prescription hormone supplements containing standardized amounts of thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) may work well if your hormone levels remain stable.
When Compounded Thyroid Medications May Be Appropriate
But you may need a customized formulation if your hormones fluctuate regularly. Compounding allows pharmacies like Belmar Pharmacy to customize dosages to fit patients’ needs.
Start a discussion with your doctor if you are concerned about any of the hypothyroidism or menopausal symptoms listed here. You and your doctor can determine if a compounded prescription is a suitable therapy for you. That way, you can kick those annoying symptoms to the curb and get back to feeling like yourself!
Find Relief from Menopause and Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Many women look for effective ways to manage symptoms like hot flashes, sleep disruption, and hormonal changes during midlife. Learn more about personalized therapies for menopause symptoms, including hormone replacement therapy.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
https://thyroidresearchjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13044-014-0012-0
