Perimenopause or thyroid? Telling symptoms apart
Tiredness, weight gain, low mood and period changes fit both perimenopause and a thyroid problem. The clues that point one way, and when a thyroid test is used.
Perimenopause or something else?
The conditions whose symptoms overlap with perimenopause, and what helps a doctor tell them apart.
Summarize with:
PMDD or perimenopause? How to tell mood symptoms apart
PMDD and perimenopause both bring irritability, low mood and anxiety. How timing against your cycle tells them apart, and why PMDD can get worse in your 40s.
Perimenopause symptoms and how to track them
The signs of perimenopause, from changing periods to hot flashes and brain fog: which are expected, which bleeding to report, and how to keep a symptom record.
Quick answers
Is there a test for perimenopause?
Over 45, NICE says doctors identify it from symptoms and cycle changes without blood tests. An FSH test is kept for people aged 40 to 45, or younger when early menopause is suspected.
Can I get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes. The NHS advises contraception until 2 years after your last period if you are 40 to 49, or 1 year if you are 50 or over.
Keep reading
Other topics
- Symptoms, one by one
Hot flashes, brain fog, joint aches, palpitations, mood and the less-talked-about ones: what each feels like and when to mention it.
- Periods and bleeding in perimenopause
Longer or shorter cycles, skipped periods, heavy flow, spotting and clots: which changes are expected and which bleeding to report.
- Tracking symptoms for your appointment
What to write down, how to rate symptoms as mild, moderate or severe, and how to turn months of notes into one page for your doctor.
- When perimenopause starts and how long it lasts
The ages it usually starts, how long the transition runs, early and premature menopause, and what changes after the last period.
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