Other Conditions Causing "Symptoms" Those hard to diagnose conditions Fatigue and tiredness can be caused by several medical problems besides hypothyroidism. These problems include low iron in the blood (iron deficiency anemia), depression, insomnia, lack of exercise and unbalanced diet. Piedmont Health Thyroid Iron disorders NIMH intelihealth Pituitary and Hormonal disorders "The pituitary is a small, bean-shaped gland located below the brain in the skull base, in an area called the pituitary fossa or sella turcica. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of hormones. These substances have a dramatic and broad range of effects on metabolism, growth and maturation, sexuality and reproduction and other important bodily functions. Structurally, the pituitary gland is divided into a larger anterior region (adenohypophysis) and a smaller posterior region (neurohypophysis). The gland is connected to a region of the brain called the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk. Directly above the pituitary gland and in front of the pituitary stalk are the crossing fibers of the optic nerves called the optic chiasm. On each side of the pituitary gland is the cavernous sinus. Through each cavernous sinus runs a carotid artery that carries blood to the brain, and important nerves that control eye movements. Because of the close proximity of the pituitary gland to these major intracranial nerves and blood vessels, as well as the vital hormonal control the pituitary gland provides, disorders of the pituitary can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, both hormonal and neurological." North American Menopause Society "the leading scientific nonprofit organization devoted to promoting women's health during midlife and beyond through an understanding of menopause. This site contains information on perimenopause, early menopause, menopause symptoms and long-term health effects of estrogen loss, and a wide variety of therapies to enhance health." Menopause Overview on menopause. Symptoms Other conditions with symptoms similar to menopause "Emotional changes, such as: Stress or anxiety. Depression. Problems with other hormones, such as might result from: An underactive or overactive thyroid gland. Problems with the pituitary gland. Polycystic ovary syndrome. Problems that can cause irregular bleeding, such as: Irregular ovulation. Noncancerous growths in the uterus (uterine fibroids). Fingerlike growths on the lining of the uterus (endometrial polyps). An overgrowth of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia). Cancer of the lining of the uterus (endometrial cancer). Cervical cancer." (Pap smears should detect this.)