While the main symptoms of menopause are well-known, the reactions and intensity can vary greatly from person to person, leading to potential confusion in the doctor’s office. To mark World Menopause Month, one expert highlighted the common conditions women may be misdiagnosed with when they could actually be suffering from menopause.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned that menopause can be “tricky to diagnose”.
A delayed diagnosis can also exacerbate symptoms and worsen their quality of life as women go without the support they need during this challenging time.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness regardless of your physical activity levels and can impact your work and social life.
Joint pain, brain fog and difficulty resting are also symptoms shared between CFS and menopause. However, Dr Grant noted: “To differentiate between both conditions, doctors will have to carry out tests by examining hormone levels and assessing menstrual history – particularly if women are in the key age group for menopause.”
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS shares several hormonal symptoms with menopause, including irregular periods, hot flushes and fluctuating hormone levels. However, as the name suggests, PCOS is characterised by the presence of cysts on the ovaries.
Heart Disease
Dr Grant warned about Heart Disease, stating: “Heart Disease is a life-threatening illness that can shockingly be misdiagnosed, instead of menopause, leading to women receiving the wrong support or advice.
“The risk of heart disease increases with age meaning women are at risk of both heart disease and menopause at similar times, enhancing the potential for misdiagnoses.
“Shared symptoms of both conditions include hot flushes, fatigue and shortness of breath. However, there are also some differences, with heart disease often leading to chest pain and heart attack symptoms.”
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Disorders such as hypothyroidism can cause metabolic changes that present similarly to menopause, such as weight fluctuations, mood swings and inconsistent periods.
Both conditions stem from hormonal changes but these differ in terms of what will be elevated and what will be lacking so a key way to differentiate between the two is tests that will show these changes.