Thyroid or Menopause? How to Spot the Difference

Did you know that your thyroid, the tiny butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, is one of the most sensitive organs in your body?

It helps regulate your metabolism, energy, body temperature, mood, and even your menstrual cycle.

Here’s the tricky part, symptoms of an underactive thyroid can often mimic menopause symptoms.

If you’re experiencing:

🧠 Fatigue
🧠 Brain fog
🧠 Weight gain (especially around the middle)
🧠 Low mood or mood swings
🧠 Thinning hair and dry skin

…it could be your thyroid, not “just menopause.”

No wonder so many women feel confused in perimenopause and beyond!

To know for sure, it’s important to check your thyroid function - ideally including T4 (inactive) and T3 (active). Unfortunately, many routine tests only look at FSH, which doesn’t give the full picture.

The good news though is that whether it’s thyroid health, menopause, or a mixture of both, good nutrition and lifestyle practices can make a real difference.

Here’s how you can support hormone balance naturally:

🥬 Feed your thyroid – Ensure you’re eating the foods that contain the essential nutrients for thyroid hormone production: iodine (seaweed, fish), selenium (Brazil nuts), zinc (pumpkin seeds) and iron (leafy greens, pulses).

🥚 Prioritise protein – Supports hormone balance and stabilises energy levels.

😴 Rest & recovery – Sleep and stress have a huge impact on both thyroid and menopause symptoms.

🚶 Movement – Regular, moderate exercise helps balance metabolism without overstressing your system.

🥦 Support your gut – A healthy microbiome helps with nutrient absorption and hormone clearance.

💜 Remember: your hormones work as a team. With the right support, they can play in harmony.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are menopause-related, thyroid-related, or both, I can help you explore testing options and create a nutrition and lifestyle plan that works for you.

Get in touch if you’d like to know more.