Thyroid and the Menopause

Does the menopause affect thyroid levels or vice versa?

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)and menopause have some similar symptoms, but in addition to this, hypothyroidism is most common in middle-aged women when menopause also occurs.

During the peri-menopause phase, oestrogen levels decrease significantly. A 2011 study showed that Oestrogen levels may also have a direct effect on the thyroid.

Common symptoms of menopause and hypothyroidism include: weight gain, fatigue, forgetfulness, mood swings, changes in menstrual cycle.

Hypothyroidism can worsen menopausal symptoms. A study carried out in 2007 showed that women with a thyroid condition and severe menopausal symptoms, saw an improvement after treatment for the thyroid condition.

Thyroid imbalances can also increase the risk of long term complications associated with the menopause, including osteoporosis and heart conditions.

Thyroid levels can be checked by a blood test. The common test is for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), but they should also test for T4 and T3 levels to get a better picture of whether you may have an over- or under-active thyroid.

Understanding which condition is causing the symptoms is vital in getting the correct treatment.

Reflexology helps with both conditions to help the body rebalance and work as efficiently as possible. This, in turn, helps to reduce the symptoms you experience.