Menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life cycle, but the symptoms it presents can be similar to other health problems, like hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).
At Plainsboro Princeton Medical Associates in Plainsboro Township and Monroe, New Jersey, experienced internal medicine physician Aruna Chakala, MD, provides expert care for menopause and thyroid disease. Since January is Thyroid Awareness Month, this blog explains how each condition differs and highlights some overlapping symptoms.
Menopause and hypothyroidism present similar symptoms, but they aren’t the same. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Menopause is a normal part of aging, occurring when a woman goes a full year (12 months) without having a menstrual period. It happens at different times for everyone - typically between ages 50-60, signifying the reproductive cycle ending.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland — a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces various hormones — doesn’t produce enough hormones. It presents multiple symptoms similar to menopause and can significantly affect the quality of life without treatment.
Menopause and hypothyroidism present several overlapping symptoms. You should seek professional guidance if you endure any of the following issues:
About 75% of menopausal women experience hot flashes, a sudden, intense feeling of heat triggered by a drop in estrogen production. These flashes can occur at any time but commonly happen at night, causing profuse sweating.
Similarly, hypothyroidism also disrupts the body’s temperature regulation system. Although people with hypothyroidism are more likely to report feeling cold, the condition can also cause excess sweating, particularly at night, because low levels of thyroid hormones affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Also, medications for thyroid disease, like levothyroxine, increase the risk of excess sweating.
Between 40-60% of menopausal women report insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), which happens for various reasons, including night sweats (mentioned above) and fluctuating hormones.
Since hypothyroidism also causes hormone fluctuations, it’s often responsible for sleep disturbances. Many people with the condition also report frequent awakenings, unrefreshing sleep, and daytime fatigue.
Weight gain is another common side effect of menopause, affecting 60-70% of women. Research shows menopausal women gain about 1.5 pounds per year on average during this life stage.
Hypothyroidism presents a similar risk. Since the thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism, a significant decline in their numbers can decrease the calories you burn. According to The American Thyroid Society, people with hypothyroidism gain 5-10 pounds on average.
Many women entering menopause notice their sexual drive (libido) isn’t as strong as it used to be. The hormone fluctuations that menopause causes increase the risk of vaginal dryness and make it harder to get aroused.
Hypothyroidism often triggers similar symptoms. Lower than average thyroid hormone levels affect blood flow to the genitals, reduce sensitivity to sexual stimulation, and increase the risk of fatigue, making it more challenging to get “in the mood.”
Although it’s a natural part of aging, menopause often causes hair thinning and shedding. Hormonal changes are primarily responsible, but the menopause transition can also cause stress, another major contributor to hair loss.
Hypothyroidism can also cause hair problems, including dry, brittle hair, thinning hair, and hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. If you experience any of these symptoms, identifying the underlying cause is crucial.
If you are experiencing any (or all) of the above symptoms, don’t wait to schedule a consultation with our friendly, compassionate team. Call our office at 609-799-5000 or request an appointment online today. After an exam and lab testing, we can determine the source of your symptoms and provide personalized menopause or thyroid treatment recommendations.
