Brain fog and memory loss

[richard123]

Can you please advise if brain fog and poor memory is common when starting on thyroxine? I never had this before I started treatment.....

I feel this is the effects I find unable to cope with the most. Thanks

[shaws Administrator]

Hi Richard,

I'm sorry you are not feeling so good.

Both symptoms are common symptoms of hypothyroidism and may not resolve until you're on an optimum of levo but hopefully things will improve.

Many complain of this effect which isn't pleasant at all.

I had additional symptoms (not the same as yours) when first starting levo but I think it's because we didn't have sufficient in our bloodstream before we began.

[richard123 in reply to shaws]

Thank you, it's been tough as I was certainly decisive with no memory issues and a clear head prior to starting and I have been offered a promotion at work and I'm thinking you haven't noticed I've got post it notes reminding me of everything with a head full and tiredness that stays with me all day!!

I think GP was slow first with 25mcg for 3 mths and then I continued at same dose for to long!

I'm 1 week into 5mcg, I'll press on and try to motivate myself to eat well and do a bit of yoga

Thanks for replies very much appreciated

[shaws Administrator in reply to richard123]

You're correct a dose of 25mcg is practically zero and for THREE months! No wonder you feel so awful. I was on 25mcg too initially and couldn't get out of bed but my TSH was 100.

If we want to recover we have to 'Do It Ourselves' it appears and at least most of us on this forum have been in a similar boat.

Others take to levothyroxine like a duck to water and they wont be on here. Once you get to a dose and make sure you get a blood test every six weeks and a rise till you feel much better. The doctor shouldn't stop increasing your dose when your TSH is anywhere 'in range'. The aim is a TSH of around 1 or below.

[Hidden]

Hi, six months ago you had a ferritin of 22 - do you know what it is now? If it is still as low as that it will be contributing to your symptoms.

[richard123 in reply to Hidden]

It's now 40. I've always been thin now thinner on thyroxine. thanks

[greygoose in reply to richard123]

It's still too low.