Some expectant moms may initially mistake their pregnancy symptoms for those associated with impending menopause, according to the Option Line website. While many moms over 35 have healthy babies, prenatal care is especially important due to older pregnant women’s markedly increased risks of pregnancy complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Learning more about the commonalities between pregnancy and menopause symptoms may help you evaluate whether pregnancy is a possibility in your life at this time, rather than menopause.
Missed Periods
A missed period is a symptom associated with both pregnancy and menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, keep in mind that you can also experience missed or irregular periods, due to stress, excessive weight gain or loss, fatigue, general hormonal problems, stopping birth control pills or breastfeeding, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Some women also bleed lightly during pregnancy.
Mood Swings
Mood swings can happen during pregnancy as well as menopause, according to the Option Line website. If you’re pregnant, your mood swings will likely be at their worst during the first trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may find yourself unusually weepy or otherwise emotional. Keep in mind that while most pregnant women suffer mood swings, only about 15 percent of menopausal women will experience such symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic and Epigee.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is another symptom associated with pregnancy as well as menopause, according to the Option Line website. A pregnant woman usually suffers from increased urination about six to eight weeks after conceiving a new child, according to the American Pregnancy Association. However, remember that other conditions, such as diabetes or a urinary tract infection can also cause frequent urination. Also, excessive use of diuretics or drinking a lot of extra fluids could also create extra bathroom needs.
Fatigue
Fatigue can start rearing its side effects as soon as one week after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This symptom can also indicate menopause, according to the Option Line website. However, excessive tiredness can also result from a number of other causes beyond pregnancy and menopause. Depression, general stress, physical exhaustion, the common cold, a flu and a number of other possible illnesses can create fatigue, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Breast Tenderness
Breast tenderness and even pain can come along with pregnancy or menopause, according to the Option Line website. Pregnant women usually experience tender and sore breasts starting about one to two weeks after conception, according to the American Pregnancy Association. However, birth control pills, PMS or general hormonal imbalances can also create such symptoms.
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