Is it Menopause...or Is It Your Thyroid?

I am no stranger to thyroid issues. Twenty years before the experience I shared in last week’s blog, I began experiencing symptoms that I assumed were part of “the change.” I was hot all the time. I felt irritable and anxious for no clear reason. My heart would race. Food seemed to run right through me. I was losing weight without trying.

If you’ve lived long enough, you know how this goes—you start mentally checking boxes:

• Hot flashes? ✔️
• Mood changes? ✔️
• Sleep disruption? ✔️

I was convinced I was entering menopause.

But my doctor listened closely and said something that changed everything:
“Some of what you’re describing doesn’t sound like menopause.”

Blood work told the real story.

I had a classic case of Graves’ disease, a form of hyperactive thyroid, meaning my thyroid was producing too much hormone and sending my entire system into overdrive. I had only heard of Graves’ disease once before—when Olympic track star Gail Devers was diagnosed and it was discussed during the Olympics. I never imagined it would become part of my story.

I was referred to an endocrinologist and underwent an iodine uptake test, which confirmed the diagnosis.

For the next two years, I lived with Graves’ disease—cycling in and out of remission. Sometimes I felt better. Other times, the symptoms came roaring back. Then in 2006, it returned with a vengeance.

After much prayer, medical guidance, and reflection, I made the decision to have my thyroid neutralized. Doctors explained that it is far safer—and much easier—to manage an underactive thyroid than an overactive one. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right decision.

Why This Matters Now

Here’s why I’m sharing this in Thyroid Part II.

Many of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism overlap with perimenopause and menopause, including:

• Heat intolerance or hot flashes
• Anxiety and irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Heart palpitations
• Weight changes
• Digestive issues
• Fatigue that doesn’t make sense

When we assume everything is hormonal aging, we risk missing something treatable.

And here’s the connection to last week’s blog:
My recent experience with an underactive thyroid felt completely different—because it was different. Until then, I had only ever known what it felt like for my thyroid to be too fast, not too slow.

Same gland.
Different direction.
Totally different experience.

I want to say this clearly and gently: If something feels off, don’t settle for assumptions.

It may not be menopause. It may not be stress. It may not be “just getting older.”

It could be your thyroid. Experts indicate that 60% of those with thyroid disease aren’t aware of their condition. In fact my Mother was diagnosed in her late 70’s after I was diagnosed with the illness.

Ask the questions. Request the labs.

Listen to your body’s patterns.

Wisdom isn’t ignoring symptoms—it’s paying attention to them.

About Symptoms & Patterns

·      Could my symptoms be related to my thyroid rather than menopause—or in addition to it?

·      Are there symptoms I’m experiencing that don’t typically fit menopause?

About Testing

·      Can we run a full thyroid panel, not just TSH?

·      Will you check Free T3, Free T4, and thyroid antibodies if needed?

About Menopause Overlap

·      How do you distinguish between menopause symptoms and thyroid-related symptoms?

·      Is it possible that I’m experiencing both menopause and a thyroid imbalance at the same time?

About History & Risk

·      Given my personal or family history, am I at higher risk for thyroid disease?

·      Should my thyroid be monitored more frequently during perimenopause or menopause?

About Next Steps

·      If a thyroid issue is found, what are my treatment options?

·      How will we monitor changes over time and adjust treatment if needed?

·      What symptoms should prompt me to call you right away rather than waiting

·      What should I be paying attention to in my body between visits—and how can we partner in managing this together?

In the next blog, we’ll talk about:

• How thyroid issues can quietly affect brain health
• Why women’s symptoms are often dismissed or misattributed
• And how learning your body’s signals is an act of stewardship, not fear