As women get older, they are bombarded with stories from older women about the change and the aggravating symptoms that showed up years before their doctor said they were in menopause. Because of these stories, many women ignore symptoms, such as weight gain, light periods, depression, insomnia, and more, simply because they attribute them to getting older. Unfortunately, though, many women are sick and don't realize it. Numerous disorders and diseases can mimic menopause. For this reason, it's vital that you talk to your doctor about all of your symptoms. Following are four diseases and disorders that can be similar to menopause. 

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease, hypothyroidism in particular, can cause symptoms similar to menopause. Your thyroid is responsible for regulating many of the hormones in your body. When something is wrong with it, your hormones can fluctuate wildly. Common symptoms associated with the disease include weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, insomnia, light periods, sexual dysfunction, and fatigue. Most of the symptoms associated with thyroid disease begin slowly and go unnoticed or are ignored until they become unbearable. 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome leads to the formation of cysts on the ovaries. This is a painful condition that must be diagnosed and treated by your OBGYN. Symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome include irregular or absent periods, weight gain, depression, and anxiety. The syndrome may also lead to the development of unwanted hair and may cause your voice to deepen. 

Chronic Depression

Chronic depression can have devastating consequences on your body. In addition to unexplained pain and sleeplessness, depression can lead to weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles, sexual problems, and more. Clinically speaking, depression symptoms are very similar to the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Therefore, it takes a blood test to rule out the former. 

Eating Disorder

When your body isn't getting enough calories to perform the work it performs, it starts to shut down. If you don't eat enough, you will start to have fewer periods and may experience hair loss, dry skin, and sexual dysfunction. These symptoms can also be brought about by too much exercise. 

There are many diseases and disorders that have symptoms similar to menopause. If you've been feeling tired and have any of the symptoms mentioned above, don't ignore them. Yes, you may be experiencing hormonal fluctuations caused by getting older, but you may have a treatable underlying disease that's the root of your problems. 

For more information, contact local professionals like Women First OBGYN.