Fatigue, low mood, sleep disturbance, weight changes, palpitations, joint aches and brain fog. These symptoms bring many women to their GP, often wondering whether perimenopause or menopause might be the cause.
While hormonal changes are frequently responsible, these same symptoms can also arise from other medical conditions. A careful, thorough assessment helps ensure nothing is missed and that you receive the right support.
Why Symptoms Can Look So Similar
Hormones influence almost every system in the body, from energy levels and mood to sleep and metabolism. But so do thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, nutrient levels, mental health and sleep quality.
When several of these systems interact or become disrupted, the resulting symptoms can appear remarkably similar. This overlap is precisely why a comprehensive assessment matters.
Conditions That Can Mimic Menopause
Many symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause are non-specific, meaning they can arise from several different causes. Considering other potential contributors is an important part of good clinical practice.
Thyroid Disorders
An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause fatigue, weight changes, low mood, anxiety, hair thinning, temperature sensitivity, palpitations and brain fog. These symptoms often closely resemble menopause-related changes. Simple blood tests can help assess thyroid function.
Iron Deficiency and Anaemia
Low iron levels are common, particularly in women with heavy periods or dietary insufficiency. Symptoms may include fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, headaches, palpitations, hair thinning and reduced exercise tolerance. Iron deficiency can coexist with perimenopause and contribute to worsening fatigue.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays a role in nerve function and energy production. Low levels can cause fatigue, pins and needles, numbness, memory issues, poor concentration and low mood. These symptoms are easily mistaken for hormonal changes.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Low vitamin D levels are associated with muscle aches, joint pain, fatigue and low mood. Deficiency is common and may contribute to generalised aches and reduced wellbeing.
Anxiety and Depression
Hormonal fluctuations can trigger or worsen anxiety and depression. These conditions can also occur independently and may require specific support such as talking therapies, medication or a combination of approaches.
Sleep Disorders
Poor sleep alone can cause fatigue, brain fog, low mood, irritability and reduced concentration. Night sweats may disrupt sleep, but sleep problems can also exist independently of menopause.
Quick Tip: Keep a simple diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity and any patterns you notice. This information can be invaluable during your consultation.
Blood Sugar Dysregulation and Prediabetes
Fluctuating blood sugar levels can contribute to fatigue, weight gain, cravings, brain fog and mood swings. These symptoms overlap significantly with perimenopause.
Chronic Stress and Burnout
Long-term stress affects hormone regulation, sleep quality, immune function and mental wellbeing. The resulting symptoms often mirror menopause-related changes.
Chronic Pain Conditions
Conditions such as fibromyalgia or inflammatory joint disorders may present with widespread pain, fatigue and poor sleep. These can coexist with menopause and require separate consideration. Our physiotherapy services can help manage musculoskeletal symptoms alongside other treatments.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Digestive disorders, food intolerances or inflammatory bowel conditions may contribute to bloating, discomfort, fatigue and nutritional deficiencies.
Why This Matters
Many women experience more than one contributing factor. Symptoms are rarely caused by a single issue, and a thoughtful assessment considers both hormonal and non-hormonal possibilities together.
For example, you might be experiencing perimenopause alongside iron deficiency, or menopause symptoms compounded by an undiagnosed thyroid problem. Addressing all contributing factors leads to better outcomes.
What Your GP Will Consider
- Your symptom pattern and timing
- Menstrual history
- Medical history and family history
- Current medications
- Lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, sleep and stress
- Whether blood tests might be helpful
Quick Tip: Before your appointment, write down your main concerns and any questions you want to ask. It can be easy to forget things during a consultation.
Can You Have Menopause AND Another Condition?
Yes, absolutely. More than one factor can contribute to your symptoms at the same time. This is common and is precisely why a thorough assessment is so valuable. For women experiencing back pain or neck pain alongside other symptoms, a multidisciplinary approach can address both musculoskeletal and hormonal concerns.
How Can We Help?
Menopause and perimenopause can present with a wide range of overlapping symptoms, including sleep disturbance, joint pain, mood changes, fatigue and brain fog. It is not always straightforward to determine what is hormonally driven and what may have another cause.
You can book an appointment with one of our specialist female Online GPs, experienced in women’s health and menopause care. We take time to explore your symptoms in detail, review your medical history and help unpick what can often be a complex clinical picture. From there, we create a personalised, evidence based plan tailored to you.
Book a consultation here: https://costahealthlasala.es/book
Frequently Asked Questions
Do normal blood tests rule out menopause?
No. Blood tests can sometimes check hormone levels, but their reliability in diagnosing perimenopause and menopause is limited because hormone levels naturally fluctuate. Diagnosis is usually based primarily on symptoms and clinical history. Blood tests are often more useful for ruling out other conditions rather than confirming menopause.
Should I ask for blood tests?
Blood tests may be helpful depending on your symptoms and medical history. They can be useful for checking thyroid function, iron levels, vitamin deficiencies and other possible contributors. Whether they are needed is best decided as part of a clinical discussion.
Can I have menopause and another condition at the same time?
Yes. It is very common for more than one factor to contribute to symptoms. For example, perimenopause and iron deficiency or thyroid problems can coexist.
If my symptoms are hormonal, will they definitely get worse?
Not necessarily. Symptoms vary widely between women. Some experience mild changes, while others have more noticeable symptoms. Early support can often improve quality of life.
How do I know when to seek help?
If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your sleep, mood, work or daily functioning, it is reasonable to seek medical advice.
Will I be taken seriously?
You should be. Menopause symptoms are real and recognised. A good consultation involves listening, exploring possibilities and discussing appropriate next steps.
Do I have to choose between menopause treatment and investigating other causes?
No. Both can be considered together as part of a comprehensive approach to your health.
Can I discuss all of this online?
Yes. Many menopause and perimenopause consultations can be safely and effectively carried out online, making it convenient to access expert advice from home.