Health
Check the Thyroid Symptom Link
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) says women who have been unsuccessfully treated for typical menopause symptoms may want to consider a checkup for thyroid problems.
An ACCE spokesman says women who have unresolved menopausal-like symptoms, such as unexplained mood swings, depression and insomnia, may not be suffering from the effects of menopause, but from hormonal imbalances produced by the thyroid gland. "Because the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease and menopause overlap, it is easy to see why the role of the thyroid hormone is often overlooked," says AACE president Dr. Helene Rodbard. In a recent study the AACE found that only one in four women who have discussed menopause with their doctors were recommended to be tested for thyroid disease.
The AACE recommends women with menopausal symptoms ask for a thyroid examination called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test -- and ask to be shown how to conduct a personal thyroid neck check.
An ACCE spokesman says women who have unresolved menopausal-like symptoms, such as unexplained mood swings, depression and insomnia, may not be suffering from the effects of menopause, but from hormonal imbalances produced by the thyroid gland. "Because the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease and menopause overlap, it is easy to see why the role of the thyroid hormone is often overlooked," says AACE president Dr. Helene Rodbard. In a recent study the AACE found that only one in four women who have discussed menopause with their doctors were recommended to be tested for thyroid disease.
The AACE recommends women with menopausal symptoms ask for a thyroid examination called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test -- and ask to be shown how to conduct a personal thyroid neck check.
