Episode 34: Is it perimenopause ... or something else?

Is it perimenopause or something else? 5 conditions every midlife woman should know about Host Lynda Enright explains that symptoms often blamed on perimenopause - exhaustion, brain fog, weight gain, mood changes, feeling cold, and hair loss - may be caused by other overlooked, treatable conditions. Using a client story, she shows how perimenopause can coexist with hypothyroidism and low ferritin, creating overlapping symptoms and missed diagnoses. The episode covers five look-alike issues: thyroid dysfunction (request a comprehensive panel beyond TSH, including free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies), iron deficiency/low ferritin (often missed when hemoglobin/hematocrit are normal), insulin resistance (check fasting insulin and A1C, not just fasting glucose), burnout/HPA axis dysregulation, and perimenopause itself. Lynda emphasizes thorough investigation, the possibility of multiple causes at once, and highlights ferritin as the key lab test many doctors skip.When you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you to feel your best during perimenopause and menopause:1. Want more science-backed health tips? Click here to sign up for my free weekly newsletter for practical advice on navigating menopause with confidence:  2. Click here to get the free guide: 5 Natural Ways To Reduce Menopause Symptoms.2. For more information about Lynda and how she supports women on their health journey, click here to learn more.3. Interested in seeing if nutrition coaching with Lynda is right for you? Click here to book a free discovery call with Lynda.