⚖️ PCOS, Thyroid, or Menopause? How to Spot the Differences in Symptoms (30+ Women’s Hormonal Guide – India & UK)

❗ Why This Article Matters (Right Now)

Let’s get real:
If you’re constantly tired, gaining weight, breaking out, can’t sleep, and your mood’s all over the place—it might be your hormones. But which one?

• PCOS?

• Thyroid issues?

• Menopause?

• Or all three at once?

Doctors often dismiss women with “just stress.” Worse, Google gives generic answers.
This guide is your clear, side-by-side breakdown—written for real women (not textbooks).

By the end, you’ll know:

• What each condition looks like

• What symptoms overlap (and don’t)

• What tests to ask for

• What steps to take next (naturally and medically)

Let’s stop guessing. Let’s decode the chaos.

🔍 PCOS, Thyroid, Menopause—What Are They?

Condition	What It Is	Common Age
PCOS	Hormonal imbalance causing irregular cycles, cysts on ovaries, insulin resistance	15–40
Thyroid (Hypo)	Underactive thyroid slows metabolism and energy systems	Any age, most common 25–50
Menopause/Perimenopause	Natural decline in estrogen & progesterone as women age	35–60 (perimenopause starts as early as 35)

📋 Full Symptom Comparison Chart

Symptom	PCOS	Thyroid (Hypo)	Menopause
Irregular periods	✅	❌	✅ (in perimenopause)
Weight gain	✅ (especially belly)	✅ (especially overall)	✅
Fatigue	✅	✅ (severe)	✅
Hair thinning	✅ (scalp, hormonal pattern)	✅ (diffuse loss)	✅
Cold sensitivity	❌	✅	❌
Acne	✅	❌	Sometimes
Mood swings	✅	✅	✅ (can be severe)
Sleep issues	✅	✅	✅
Hot flashes	❌	❌	✅
Low libido	✅	✅	✅
Brain fog	✅	✅	✅
Fertility struggles	✅	✅	✅
Constipation	❌	✅	Sometimes
Anxiety or depression	✅	✅	✅

🔎 Notice the overlap? That’s why so many women stay confused for years.

🧪 Diagnostic Clarity: What to Test (Ask Your Doctor)

To stop the guesswork, ask for these targeted tests:

✅ For PCOS:

• LH/FSH ratio

• Total & Free Testosterone

• DHEA-S

• Fasting insulin / Glucose

• Pelvic ultrasound (to check for cysts)

✅ For Hypothyroidism:

• TSH

• Free T3 & Free T4

• Anti-TPO antibodies (rule out Hashimoto’s)

• Ferritin (low iron mimics thyroid problems)

• Vitamin D + B12

✅ For Perimenopause/Menopause:

• FSH

• Estradiol (E2)

• Progesterone (day 21 if cycling)

• DHEA & Cortisol

• Bone density scan (optional)

📌 Tip: Track your cycle and symptoms for at least 30 days—take notes for your doctor.

🧬 Root Causes Breakdown

Let’s simplify it:

🥚 PCOS = Insulin + Androgen imbalance

• Caused by blood sugar spikes, poor gut health, chronic stress

• More common in Indian women due to diet, late diagnosis

• Symptoms begin in teens or 20s and worsen with age if unmanaged

🦋 Hypothyroidism = Slow metabolism due to thyroid dysfunction

• Often autoimmune (Hashimoto’s), triggered by stress or postpartum

• Can appear post-pregnancy or during burnout

• Slows EVERYTHING: metabolism, digestion, brain speed, mood

🔥 Menopause = Estrogen/progesterone decline

• Natural, but often painful if not supported

• Begins as perimenopause (35–50) → periods get erratic

• Symptoms mimic thyroid or PCOS if you’re not tracking

🧠 Real-Life Scenarios (You’ll Probably Relate to One)

👩‍💼 Priya, 33 – Mumbai

“I gained 6 kg in 2 months, my skin is breaking out, and I haven’t had a period in 2 months.”
➡️ Likely PCOS + insulin resistance
Recommended tests: Testosterone, fasting insulin, ultrasound

👩‍👧 Sana, 42 – Birmingham

“I sleep 8 hours and still feel drained. My periods are fine, but I’m gaining weight and losing hair.”
➡️ Likely hypothyroidism
Recommended tests: TSH, Free T3, Vitamin D

👩‍🎓 Neha, 38 – Delhi

“My periods are irregular, I feel hot flashes at night, and I’m anxious without reason.”
➡️ Perimenopause likely starting
Recommended tests: Estradiol, FSH, Progesterone

🌿 Natural Management Strategies (Backed by Science)

🌱 For PCOS

• Low glycemic diet (more fiber, fewer refined carbs)

• Strength training and walking daily

• Inositol supplement (Myo + D-Chiro combo)

• Spearmint tea (lowers androgens)

• Manage stress, lower cortisol, and lower insulin spikes

🌱 For Hypothyroidism

• Selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts, eggs

• Avoid soy and gluten (if Hashimoto’s present)

• Ashwagandha (supports thyroid and cortisol)

• Prioritize sleep and regular meals

• Avoid fasting more than 12–13 hours (stresses thyroid more)

🌱 For Menopause / Perimenopause

• Phytoestrogens: flaxseeds, tofu, sesame seeds

• Magnesium + B6 = reduce hot flashes & mood swings

• Evening primrose oil or black cohosh

• Resistance training preserves bone mass

• Consider HRT under medical guidance if severe

🥗 Shared Diet Foundation for All 3 Conditions

All hormonal imbalances thrive in inflammation.

So regardless of which one you have:

Eat More	Avoid
Leafy greens	Refined sugar
Whole grains (millets, oats, quinoa)	Maida-based snacks
Omega-3 fats (fish, flax, walnuts)	Refined oils
Fiber (chia, psyllium, legumes)	Packaged "diet" foods
Probiotic foods	Alcohol, soda

---

🔗 More Read on Public Health 360 www.publichealth360.com

• Hormone-Healthy Diet Plan for Women Over 30 (Indian & UK)

• 10 Warning Signs of Hormonal Imbalance in Women

• Natural Ways to Balance Hormones Without Medication

• Hydration Hacks for Hormonal Health (Busy Women’s Guide)

---

💬  FAQs 

❓Can I have PCOS and thyroid together?

Yes. Many women with PCOS also develop thyroid issues. They share overlapping root causes like inflammation and insulin resistance.

❓ How do I know if it's perimenopause and not just stress?

If your periods are irregular and you’re noticing mood swings, hot flashes, or sleep issues around age 35–50 — it’s likely perimenopause.

❓Which one is worse: PCOS, thyroid, or menopause?

None are “worse”—they’re ”different. But unmanaged, they can all affect fertility, mood, metabolism, and long-term health. The key is early detection.

❓Can diet really help with hormone imbalance?

Absolutely. Food influences insulin, cortisol, gut health, and inflammation—which all impact your hormonal systems.

🔚 Final Word: No More Guessing. You Deserve Clarity.

Women lose years of quality life playing the guessing game with symptoms like fatigue, irregular cycles, and mood swings.

This article gave you what most doctors don’t:
A direct comparison. A path forward. A way to take control.

You’re not “crazy.”
You’re not “just tired.”
You’re not “overreacting.”

You’re hormonal—and that’s not an insult. It’s a powerful clue.

Now go get the labs. Review the chart. And if something here hit home—start the reset.

🎁 Want a Symptom Tracker PDF to take to your doctor?
👉 Download it FREE and join the hormone-smart community

💬 Drop a comment: Which condition do you relate to most—PCOS, Thyroid, or Menopause?