What conditions commonly mimic perimenopause and should be ruled out?
Several conditions can mimic perimenopause and should be ruled out to ensure you get the right diagnosis and treatment. Here at Alloy, we often see the following conditions presenting with symptoms similar to perimenopause:
- Thyroid Disorders: Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can cause symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, weight changes, irregular periods, and mood changes. A simple blood test can help distinguish thyroid issues from perimenopause. Learn more about the overlap and differences in our detailed article: Thyroid Issues vs. Menopause.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: This can cause fatigue, weakness, and sometimes irregular bleeding, which can be mistaken for perimenopausal symptoms. Basic blood work can help identify anemia.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Low vitamin D can contribute to fatigue, bone pain, and mood changes.
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): PCOS can cause irregular periods, weight changes, and hormonal symptoms that overlap with perimenopause, especially in women approaching their 40s.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Some autoimmune conditions can cause fatigue, joint pain, and other symptoms that overlap with perimenopause.
Dr. Corinne Menn discusses the importance of checking for thyroid issues, iron deficiency anemia, and vitamin D levels when new symptoms arise. You can watch her insights in the chapter "Other Conditions Mimicking Perimenopause" in our YouTube video: Watch here.
Dr. Mary Claire Haver also highlights that PCOS and autoimmune diseases can look like perimenopause, and stresses the importance of ruling out these conditions since there is no single definitive test for perimenopause. You can watch her discussion in the chapter "Challenges Diagnosing Perimenopause with PCOS and Endometriosis": Watch here.
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