Is It Menopause…or Something Else?

You might not think that you’re old enough to be experiencing symptoms of menopause, but your body could have a different idea. Although the average age for menopause is 51, symptoms can begin much earlier—even decades earlier. If you are experiencing hot flashes, skipped periods, achy joints, and mood swings, you could be in the stage leading up to menopause known as perimenopause. Or not. These symptoms can also be indications of other health conditions. In fact, many of the better-known symptoms of menopause are also signs that your thyroid is not working as it should. Before you dismiss your symptoms as just your body going through “the change,” it’s a good idea to get a full health work up to make sure that you’re taking steps to address the actual underlying cause of your symptoms. Whether it’s menopause or your thyroid or something else, you can take steps to regain balance, decrease symptoms, and restore your overall health. Read more…