The link between perimenopause & hypothyroidism
Did you know that perimenopause and an underactive thyroid often go hand in hand? Not only is there an overlap in the symptoms, but you can also be at a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism during this stage of life.
Let’s take a closer look at the link between perimenopause and an underactive thyroid gland.
Perimenopause & an underactive thyroid
Let’s look at the symptoms
Many women can be confused as to whether their symptoms indicate perimenopause or a thyroid issue. This is because there is a big overlap in the symptoms.
Symptoms that can occur with both perimenopause and hypothyroidism include:
Irregular periods
Weight gain
Irritability
Anxiety
Intolerance to stress
Fatigue and lethargy
Brain fog
Dry skin
Thinning hair and hair loss
Digestive symptoms including bloating, gas and constipation
Then there is also a condition known as Hashitoxicosis. This is the initial stage of Hashimoto’s where you can develop symptoms of an overactive thyroid due to inflammation triggering the release of excess thyroid hormone.
So this can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia and palpitations - which also are linked to perimenopause.
Why does hypothyroidism develop during perimenopause?
We know that the most common age for Hashimoto’s to develop is between 30-50 years, and it’s more frequently seen in women. So this raises the question: what does perimenopause have to do with an underactive thyroid?
To put it simply, it comes down to fluctuating hormones. This places a heavy demand on the thyroid to regulate. As each person is unique, this can develop into either an overactive or underactive thyroid (yes, Graves’ is also common in this age group!)
We also know that there are specific hormonal mechanisms at play.
For example, low progesterone can affect thyroid hormone production and function, reduce the amount of free thyroid hormone in the bloodstream and trigger autoimmune pathways.
Oestrogen also plays a big role. It increases thyroxine-binding globulin, and research has found that hypothyroid women require more thyroid hormone when on oestrogen therapy.
During perimenopause, oestrogen tends to rapidly increase, only to crash down. So you may find that your symptoms improve for a time, only to flare back up as your oestrogen spikes. This explains why many women are told their thyroid levels are ‘fine’. The tests have likely been done during a low oestrogen phase, when their thyroid hormones have experienced a temporary boost.
I think I’ve developed hypothyroidism during perimenopause - what should I do?
I’ll cover some specific thyroid support steps in a future article. But in the meantime, here is my advice:
Investigate - get tested to see if your thyroid is playing a role. We want to look at TSH, antibodies, T4 and T3. You may want to work with a practitioner first to identify your high oestrogen stage (as we don’t want you to experience that low oestrogen boost!)
Get to know your symptoms - although there are countless symptoms of perimenopause and an underactive thyroid, yours are unique to you. Once you know your symptoms, it makes it easier to see patterns and triggers.
Educate yourself about thyroid disease - I have plenty of articles right here on the site to help you get started!
NEED SOME GUIDANCE TO MANAGE YOUR HYPOTHYROIDISM?
My Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s Recovery Program is for you!
This comprehensive program includes:
6 modules covering the most important information you need to understand your underactive thyroid and how to support it naturally
Resources on thyroid testing and which tests will give you the best overview of your thyroid function
Steps to help you identify triggers and avoid thyroid flares
6 restorative Naturopathic Yoga sessions
Thyroid meditations
A BONUS 4 step gut healing protocol (because many of the triggers for your thyroid are found in the gut!)