Enlarged thyroid and menopause
Are you going through menopause and experiencing symptoms like sleep problems, excessive sweating and hair loss? You are not alone. While these symptoms are often associated with menopause, they can also be a sign of a thyroid problem. What to do if you notice soreness or a lump at the front of your neck? Can supplements support your health during this stage of life?
I thought menopause was causing me to feel tired. A blood test showed I have an underactive thyroid. I feel much better now that I’m getting the right treatment. - Ines (age 58)
From weight gain and fatigue to hair loss, many of the symptoms of menopause and thyroid problems overlap. Therefore, it is not unusual for thyroid symptoms to be put down to menopause. If thyroid disorders are not recognised as such and treated accordingly, the symptoms may get worse.
Do you have a painful or swollen lump in your neck? Then talk to a doctor. The doctor may order a blood test to check your thyroid function.
In most people, the goitre will shrink when thyroid levels normalise with treatment. Timely diagnosis and treatment of thyroid gland disorders will not only reduce pain and swelling in the thyroid, but may also help reduce associated symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness and weight gain.
What is happening in your body?
What bodily processes are taking place when your thyroid gland becomes swollen, enlarged or hard? An overactive thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormones. This leads to an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, which causes your thyroid to swell.
An underactive thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones. This, too, can cause a swelling at the base of your neck. This lump or swelling is also called a goitre or nodule.
Direct causes of an enlarged thyroid
The thyroid is a gland that sits in the front of your neck. It makes thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones regulate your body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system, temperature and many other bodily functions.
Do you have a hard lump, swelling or soreness at the front of the neck? This may be a sign of a swollen thyroid. Swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland is not a typical symptom of menopause, because it is not caused by declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone. The direct cause is usually overactivity or underactivity of the thyroid gland.
An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's needs. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue or trouble tolerating cold. An overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the body's metabolism. This can cause symptoms such as weight loss, nervousness or heart palpitations.
Indirect causes of an enlarged thyroid
Fluctuating or declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone can indirectly cause or exacerbate thyroid problems. Some studies suggest that both oestrogen and progesterone can have an impact on the activity and effectiveness of thyroid hormones. Thyroxine (T4) is the main hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland. In order for T4 to be effective, it needs to be converted into its active form, T3. Progesterone speeds up the conversion of T4 into T3. Oestrogen decreases the amount of free T4 available to the body.
Other indirect causes of an enlarged or swollen thyroid gland due to thyroid over- or underactivity include a lack or excess of nutrients such as selenium or iodine, inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis) and the use of certain medications. In order to find the right treatment, it is important to determine what is affecting your thyroid.
Menopause and women with a thyroid condition
Can having a thyroid condition make menopausal symptoms worse? Yes, it can. If thyroid medication is not properly adjusted, thyroid hormones can interact with other hormones, which may cause women with thyroid problems to have more frequent or severe menopausal symptoms.
If symptoms are impacting you, talk to your doctor. It is important to have your thyroid hormone levels checked on a regular basis, so that your medication can be adjusted accordingly. It is possible to have a smooth transition into the next stage of your life, but you need to keep tabs on your health.
What can you do?
If you think you may have a goitre, it is important to consult a doctor. A doctor can check whether your thyroid gland is swollen by taking blood tests. Treatment depends on what type of thyroid issue you have. Treatment for an overactive thyroid involves taking a medicine that controls your thyroid by blocking its ability to make hormones. Treatment for an underactive thyroid involves taking hormone replacement tablets to restore hormonal balance.
There are also supplements for menopausal women that balance hormones and reinforce thyroid health. It's essential to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen, especially when you're already on medication.
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What treatments can help?
Do you think you may have a thyroid problem? Or have you had thyroid issues in the past? See a doctor, get tested and have the problem treated. Don't experiment with supplements or medications on your own. Optimal thyroid care starts with a proper diagnosis.
Can hormone therapy help?
Not feeling like yourself lately? Talk to your GP and get tested. It could be your thyroid. Are you suffering from menopause symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and night sweats and are your symptoms getting in the way of your daily life? Then hormone replacement therapy (HRT) might be an option. Ask your doctor if HRT is right for you.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic. (o. J.). Kropf - Symptome und Ursachen. Abgerufen von https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829
- NHS (20230). Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/overactive-thyroid-hyperthyroidism/
- Schildklier Organisatie Nederland. (n.d.). Schildklier en de overgang. Abgerufen von https://schildklier.nl/schildklieraandoeningen/schildklier-en-de-overgang/
- Smith, J. K., & Johnson, A. B. (2019). Thyroid function and dysfunction in relation to the menopause. Journal of Endocrinology, 35(2), 123-135.
- Yadav, M., Kose, V., & Bhalerao, A. (2023). Frequency of Thyroid Disorder in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women and Its Association With Menopausal Symptoms. Cureus, 15(6), e40900. https://www.cureus.com/articles/164103-frequency-of-thyroid-disorder-in-pre--and-postmenopausal-women-and-its-association-with-menopausal-symptoms#!/
Tips and advice
Mildred (age 46): “Don't let any doctor tell you it’s just part of life”
Navigating menopause was a challenging time for Mildred. Her symptoms ranged from hot flashes, low libido to fatigue. Mildred tried everything and eventually found the solution.
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Wies: “If it's not to lose weight, do it for your health”
Nutrition is more important during menopause than many women think. Not only to maintain a healthy weight, but also to feel better. Wies speaks from experience.
FAQ
How do I know if it is menopause symptoms or a thyroid disorder?
Do you have a swollen thyroid during the menopause? If so, consult your doctor. The doctor can perform a blood test that will help identify a possible underlying condition.
What can I do myself for a swollen thyroid?
It is absolutely advisable to see your doctor and not try drugs or dietary supplements yourself. Treatment depends heavily on an accurate diagnosis of your thyroid.
What are the characteristics or symptoms of thyroid disease?
A thyroid disorder can cause a variety of symptoms, including: nervousness, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, sleep problems, persistent fatigue or weakness, sensitivity to heat, swelling in your neck, rapid or irregular heartbeat, muscle twitching or trembling, weight loss, hot skin and excessive sweating, red palms, itchy rashes, loose nails, hair loss, weight loss and eye problems (such as dry eyes).
