Thyroid and Menopause: What’s the Connection? 

Understanding Thyroid Function and Menopause

Let’s unravel the bond between menopause and thyroid function. By understanding how one can take control over the other, you can regain control of your health.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It has two lobes that lie on either side of the windpipe. 

It secretes hormones to regulate key bodily functions such as energy levels, body temperature, and metabolism. 

Vital thyroid hormones are T3 and T4. If the thyroid gland is overactive or sluggish, it affects metabolism, causing a variety of symptoms that require medical attention.

What Happens During Menopause?

Menopause is nature’s biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive age. This phase is characterised by a significant drop in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone. 

Oestrogen and progesterone not only regulate your menstrual cycle and maintain reproductive health but are also responsible for other body functions like metabolism, maintaining weight, appetite, bone health, and deposition of fat tissue.

A decrease in levels of oestrogen and progesterone leads to sluggish metabolism, mood swings and low energy levels. 

A study states that 73.8% of postmenopausal women experience hypothyroidism, and 26.2% of them experience hyperthyroidism.

Hormonal Imbalance and its Effect

Menopause and thyroid issues are babies of hormonal imbalance; to be precise, they are twins. 

Are you wondering why? Their symptoms are so identical that it is hard to tell them apart.

Both cause fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, and mood instability. This overlapping makes it daunting to find the root cause of particular symptoms without proper medical evaluation.

Thyroid Dysfunction During Menopause

Thyroid dysfunction leads to various conditions. Here are some common thyroid conditions you should know.

a) Hypothyroidism 

When your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs, it is called hypothyroidism. 

Causes
The causes of hypothyroidism include,

• Inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Surgical removal of the gland
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Certain medications
• Radiation therapy
• Pituitary disease
• Consuming less amount of iodine in your diet

Symptoms
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary from person to person; here are some common symptoms you might experience,

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Puffy face
• Muscle and joint pain
• Heavy or irregular menses
• Dry skin
• Dry or thinning of hair
• Depression 

b) Hyperthyroidism

The condition where your thyroid gland produces excessive hormones is called hyperthyroidism.

Causes
The causes of hyperthyroidism are,

• Inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Consuming an excess amount of iodine in your diet
• Certain medications
• Poor sleep

Symptoms
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are,

• Anxiety
• Weight loss
• Hot flashes
• Irritability

c) Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition which can lead to hypothyroidism. 

Causes
The causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are, 

• Genetics
• Virus such as hepatitis C
• Exposure to radiation
• Certain medications

Symptoms
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are,

• Fatigue 
• Weight gain
• Irregular and heavy mense
• Depression
• Dry skin and hair

d) Thyroid Nodules and Goitre

Thyroid nodules and goitres are swellings that develop in the neck, which often leads to discomfort.

Causes
The causes of thyroid nodules and goitre are,

• Underactive or overactive thyroid gland
• Iodine deficiency
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Certain medications 
• Exposure to radiation

Symptoms 
The symptoms of thyroid nodules and goitre are,

• A feeling of tightness in the throat
• Hoarseness of the voice
• Coughing 
• Difficulty in swallowing

To learn more about the relationship between thyroid health and menopause, click here.

Symptoms That Overlap Between Thyroid and Menopause

Menopause and thyroid symptoms can be confusing to differentiate, as the symptoms overlap. Here are the symptoms you should know about,

1. Fatigue 
It is an extreme sense of tiredness and lack of energy that can interfere with your daily activities. You may feel weak, worn out, heavy or slow throughout the day.
Menopause and thyroid dysfunction can cause extreme tiredness, making it hard to differentiate.

2. Weight Gain
In hypothyroidism, the metabolism is decreased. Reduced metabolism can result in weight gain. 
During menopause, reduced oestrogen levels lead to fat deposition in the body, causing weight gain.

3. Mood Swings and Depression
Hormonal changes can trigger mood swings, irritability, and depression.
As menopause and thyroid dysfunction are influenced by hormonal imbalances, it can be difficult to differentiate the cause of your symptoms.

4. Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
An overactive thyroid gland increases the metabolism in your body. An increased metabolism causes hot flashes and night sweats.
Reduced oestrogen during menopause also leads to hot flashes and night sweats.

5. Sleep Disturbances
Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns are the major sleep problems caused by both menopause and thyroid dysfunction.

6. Changes in Skin, Hair, and Nails
Hormonal changes during menopause and thyroid dysfunction cause dry skin, thinning of hair and brittle nails, which can be confusing.

Diagnosing Thyroid Dysfunction

Thyroid dysfunction is diagnosed with the help of a blood test.

Thyroid Testing

• A thyroid profile blood test helps to detect if you have thyroid dysfunction.
• It measures the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 and T4 levels in the blood.
• An increased TSH and decreased T3 and T4 levels lead to hypothyroidism.
• A decreased TSH and increased T3 and T4 levels lead to hyperthyroidism.

Managing Thyroid and Menopause Symptoms

Managing both thyroid and menopause symptoms can be overwhelming as they can exacerbate the condition. Here are some tips to manage them.

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT helps treat the symptoms of menopause. Sometimes, it is also used in the treatment of thyroid dysfunction. It addresses oestrogen and progesterone imbalances to treat menopausal symptoms. However, thyroid dysfunction should be carefully managed.

2. Medications for Thyroid Disorders
Medications that treat hypothyroidism, such as levothyroxine and hyperthyroidism, such as antithyroid drugs, help regulate thyroid hormone levels in the body. This helps alleviate the symptoms caused by thyroid dysfunction.

3. Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet and good nutrition can cure most of your symptoms. Include foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc to improve thyroid functioning. To balance hormonal imbalances during menopause, include foods that are rich in phytoestrogens.

4. Exercise
Did you know exercise is the best gift you can give yourself?  Regular physical activity addresses both thyroid and menopause problems. It helps improve thyroid function, boosts energy levels, and maintains a healthy weight. Exercise produces endorphins, which help elevate your mood.

5. Stress Management
Stress triggers hormonal imbalance. Stress reduction practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness help bring back hormonal balance and improve overall well-being.

When to See A Doctor 

Consulting your doctor will help you understand your condition better. It is better to see your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

• Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, or weight gain remain persistent despite lifestyle and dietary changes, consult your doctor.
• Severe Symptoms: If the fatigue is extreme, significant mood changes, or if you experience heart palpitations which are interfering with your daily activities, consult a healthcare professional.
• Diagnose Thyroid Disorder: If your symptoms are new or worsening, your doctor should assess whether thyroid dysfunction contributes to menopause-related problems.
• Unexplained Swelling or Discomfort in the Neck: If you suddenly notice a lump or swelling in the neck that is causing discomfort or increasing in size, visit your doctor.

Preventing and Managing Symptoms

Prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent and manage your symptoms.

• Regular Checkups: If you’re a woman who is in her 40s or hitting menopause, a regular test of thyroid function can help detect issues at the earliest.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Your lifestyle choices decide your health. It is essential to stay active, maintain a healthy weight, and consume nutrient-rich food to manage both menopause and thyroid dysfunction. 
• Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms; observe minute changes. This can help your doctor adjust treatment according to your needs to improve the quality of life.

Our client, Aysha Kidwai, says,

“It’s been a joy to try new approaches, and I am so glad to have found them during my Menopause transition, as it’s made an uncomfortable process a lot more manageable. I cannot praise this health centre enough…..

Conclusion

Thyroid dysfunction can complicate your menopause journey. It is essential to understand both the conditions to effectively combat it. It is necessary for women to stay proactive to address thyroid issues and hormonal health.

To experience a smooth menopause transition, book a consultation at Nirva Health.