Is it Perimenopause or a Thyroid condition? 3 ways to find out!
Symptoms associated with perimenopause and a thyroid condition called Hypothyroidism share alot of similarities – and when one or both of these are out of balance you may feel pretty crummy and not your usual self. Finding out what’s got you feeling out of sorts, irritable or depressed may be easier than you think! Today on Instagram live, @myfitover50, we had a great conversation with Dr. Sheila Dyer, Naturopathic Doctor about the differences and similarities of perimenopause and hypothyroidism.
Why is this important to talk about?
Well if you are in your late 30s/early 40s feeling depressed, tired or experiencing irregular periods you could be heading towards menopause OR these could be symptoms of something else happening to your thyroid gland. According to Dr. Sheila, ND there are ways to figure out what’s going on with your body and if your conventional doctor can’t explore the what and whys of your health an alternative practitioner can!
3 ways to find out if you are perimopausal or hypothyroid
STEP #1 – Have a conversation with your Doctor or health care practitioner
Having a conversation with your health care provider about what’s going on with your body is the first step to feeling better again and there are treatment options for you either way. Talk about the struggles you may be facing, don’t just suffer through them and hope it goes away.
Typical Perimenopause symptoms
- Fatigue
- Irregular period
- Mood changes
- Sleep disturbance
- Weight gain
- Digestive disruption
- Hot flushes
- Memory problems
- Vaginal Dryness
Typical Hypothyroid symptoms
- Tiredness
- Irregular period
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Sensitive to cold
- Weight gain
- Memory problems
- Constipation
STEP #2 – Get some testing!
As Dr. Sheila, ND says, there are tests out there that can better confirm what is going on, but her first go to is to always test the THYROID! Typically perimenopause is not tested through blood work but may be diagnosed based on your age and specific symptoms.
When you are having your thyroid function tested Dr. Sheila, ND recommends asking for these 5 tests, to help rule out any autoimmune condition:
- TSH – your thyroid stimulating hormone
- Free T4
- Free T3
- anti-TPO – to test for thyroid antibodies
- anti-TG
STEP #3 – Get some treatment
There are conventional and alternative treatment options available, so after you have received your test results talk to your health care practitioner about what’s best for you.
If your thyroid is out of balance there is medication available to help support it and often that will help reduce or lessen the symptoms you are feeling. If your antibodies are really high, this is an indication that you may have an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and this is a different conversation to have. If your thyroid levels are normal and your doctor thinks your symptoms are connected to perimenopause there are treatment options such as bioidentical hormones or HRT.
Can you be perimenopausal and have an underacting thyroid at the same time? You betcha! So getting tested can really clarify things and give you and your health provider a clearer direction moving forward.
At Women’s Health Centre we use acupuncture and Eastern dietary therapy to help support perimenopausal women transition through menopause, reducing stress, improving sleep and improving digestion.
For more information about Perimenopause vs a Thyroid condition read my latest blog post at MY FIT OVER 50. Find out more about the changes that could be leaving you feeling all hot and bothered!
Thank you to Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND today for our wonderful chat on Instagram LIVE.
To follow us visit our Instagram @myfitover50 and @womenshealthcentre
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Contact Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND and follow her on Instagram @drsheila_nd or book an appointment