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Many Indian women, if not women in general, experience sudden weight gain or mood swings in their 30s. Although such changes can occur at any time, when they appear during this period of life, they may have a deeper cause. The two most likely culprits for such changes are perimenopause and thyroid disorders. But it can be difficult to know which one it really is.
According to a study cited by fluentinhealth.com, about 13-15 percent of middle-aged Indian women suffer from subclinical hypothyroidism. It is a condition that is difficult to diagnose, as many of its symptoms resemble those of perimenopause, leading to a lot of confusion.
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a transitional stage where a woman is moving toward menopause. This condition may begin in the mid-30s. The most common symptoms of this condition include fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, weight changes, and irregular menstruation.
During perimenopause, decreased estrogen levels can disrupt the way the body works with thyroid hormones. Low progesterone levels, also an effect of perimenopause, can also disrupt the normal functioning of thyroid hormones.
The fact that perimenopause can interfere with thyroid function means that this event may worsen existing or latent thyroid conditions. This can lead to thyroid disorders which are harmful in themselves.
This juxtaposition of thyroid dysfunction and perimenopause means that figuring out what happened first or what was the trigger is even more complicated.
weight gain and mood changes
Weight gain and mood instability in the age of 30 are effects of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. However, they may also be caused by a decrease in estrogen or progesterone levels caused by perimenopause. Therefore, if one is experiencing such symptoms, it is most important to get tested and find out the root cause.
According to the Women’s Health Network, the sudden appearance of belly fat at the onset of perimenopause is caused by the body’s attempts to compensate for reduced estrogen. Visceral fat, which creates belly fat, is rich in estrogen, so to make up for the deficiency, the body starts producing more of it.
Therefore, it becomes important for women to seek professional help and treat this condition. Medications are available to treat these hormonal imbalances. Overcoming the challenges presented by the body may also require lifestyle changes. Consultation with a trusted doctor becomes necessary.
questions to ask
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is a condition that occurs when a woman is near menopause.
Which hormones are mainly affected by perimenopause?
Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that are majorly affected by this condition.
What are some symptoms of perimenopause?
Fatigue, mood changes, weight gain, irregular menstruation and other physical changes are symptoms of perimenopause.
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