Could you be menopausal?

[cariad1979]

Many symptoms described on this forum could be as a result of peri or actual menopause. I had a goitre (my reason for joining this forum) and low energy levels etc.

After eliminating thyroid problems, with private specialist then back to nhs, tests = normal, I had my hormones measured by my gp. After 12 months on low dose HRT, my goitre had shrunk, and many symptoms alleviated.

You may/ may not have thyroid issues. I felt this was worth knowing. A big drop in oestrogen can have many effects. Including joint pains and many other symptoms that can be confused with other conditions.

#menopause, #thyroid

[Angel_of_the_North]

GPs love to blame everything on menopause as it gives them an excuse to dismiss a whole swathe of patients as delusional females of a certain age. However, it is important that all hormones are in balance and that includes sex hormones - they all work together. Thyroid problems often come to light at times of hormonal change like puberty, pregnancy and menopause

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

"Thyroid problems often come to light at times of hormonal change like puberty, pregnancy and menopause"

Absolutely true. Except they only 'come to light' if someone actually thinks about the possibility of a thyroid issue. Instead, all too often we're dismissed with words along the lines of 'puppy fat' and 'lazy teenager' at puberty, 'what do you expect, you're pregnant', 'of course you're slowing down, it's part of the ageing process'. I could go on

[cariad1979 in reply to Angel_of_the_North]

In my case it was the other way around. I decided that I had to take control of the situation. Iron deficiency, a swollen thyroid did not necessarily to the menopause. Originally I had a consultant who wanted to whip my thyroid out. As a result of my own research, and test results, I opted for hrt treatment which saved my thyroid and improved my life. My gp and I worked together. I wanted to share this as it may help someone on this forum. Sometimes it really is the menopause which is, I've realised, a more complex stage in a woman's life than I had originally thought. Also, many symptoms we experience are associated with a number of causes. Human organisms are complex!