Poor memory and I'm only 47! Is this normal?

[Nessynu]

How bad was your memory due to hashimotos or hypothyroidism? I have Hashis and currently taking t3 only meds. Prior to my diagnosis 2 years ago I could juggle 10 things at once with ease. My organisational skills were so good. Now however, I forget things a lot. My short-term memory is affected. I was on eltroxin (t4) for 2+years and had constipation, weak muscles, fatigue daily so I don't think I was converting well at all. So were any of you lovely people able to reclaim your Brain!

[Bengalgal]

I know that perimenopause did a number on my brain. And when I was on levothyroxine only it helped immensely at age 47 to add liothyrinine to the mix. You might want to try a low dose if biomedical hormones.

[Nessynu in reply to Bengalgal]

Thank you. I went through surgical menopause 1 1/2 years ago and Doc would not give me hormone replacement so you could be right. I will try to get my female hormones checked as it could be causing my brain drain!

[Bengalgal in reply to Nessynu]

I never could get them to check mine but if you had that sudden menopause you definitely will have some symptoms like that. They get better with time I think. Your levels will be normal for menopause I’m sure. When you take bio identical hormones (or even not bio identical) you are pushing your homes toward pre menopause levels. They really prescribe by symptoms not levels. A gynaecologist should be able to prescribe it. I take an oestrogen gel and progesterone tablet daily.

[Bengalgal in reply to Bengalgal]

Hormones not homes!

[Nessynu in reply to Bengalgal]

Lol. Thank you. I will ask my Dr to check my hormones. I hope she dosnt dismiss me as usual. I think she assumes that all of my symptoms are in my head at this stage! If only we could let our doctors experience hashimotos for a year!

[StillEverHopeful]

Might be worth having your B12, folate, D and ferritin checking.

Before diagnosis I would forget what I was saying mid sentence. As soon as I started Levo it was like having my brain back. Once I got the vitamins & minerals optimal there was further improvement, but I don’t multitask well, especially under pressure & doubt I’ll get energy to match my peers.

[Nessynu in reply to StillEverHopeful]

Thank you. Unfortunately the at home service I use for full thyroid and vitamin checks is suspended due to covid here in Ireland. Otherwise it's trip to a nutritionist which is very costly when you add in the consultation and test.

[StillEverHopeful in reply to Nessynu]

Oh that’s tough. I used Medichecks last week. (UK) I have used finger prick

but sometimes wait until I see family member trained in phlebotomy.

I post to friend in Ireland but to a post motel in NI where my friend in Ireland will collect it from.... might be worth looking at if you are close enough to the border.

[Nessynu in reply to StillEverHopeful]

I've tried the finger prick bloods and the lab emailed me twice to say my sample was coagulated on arrival so I can't do that but thank you for the information.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

What vitamin supplements are you currently taking?

When were vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 last tested

How much T3 are you currently taking

Do you take as single or split dose

What were last thyroid test results and ranges

It’s more usual to take combination of levothyroxine and T3 ...rather than T3 only . Did you ever try that?

As you have Hashimoto’s are you on strictly gluten free diet

Lastly, if had surgical menopause ....you probably need to test sex hormones

[Nessynu in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks slow Dragon. I've no current blood results worth posting. I take b12 and vit d daily and as soon as blue horizon reopen I will be getting full thyroid and vitamin testing. I have hashimotos and have been strictly gluten and dairy free for over a year. I split my t3 doses 3 times a day. Currently taking 10ml morning 5 afternoon and 5 in the evening. I've never tried combo of t3/t4 so yesterday I added in 15ml t4 in place of my afternoon t3 dose as I'm very sensitive with meds so going slowly.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Nessynu]

I don’t think you should change the T3 doses. Keep those exactly as they are

Your only on the dose of T3 designed to go alongside levothyroxine.

Most people on just 20mcg T3 would be taking 75mcg or 100mcg levothyroxine as well

If just on T3 and no levothyroxine at all, a daily T3 dose would typically be 50-60mcg per day

Suggest you add 25mcg Levothyroxine (or even 50mcg levothyroxine) . Retest in 6-8 weeks

[Nessynu in reply to SlowDragon]

I was afraid of going hyper as I know it takes a few days for me to feel the effects of t4.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Nessynu]

So perhaps start on half 25mcg tablet of levothyroxine (12.5mcg) ...but don’t alter T3 dosing

[Nessynu in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks slow Dragon. I have taken your advice and took 12.5 t4 yesterday and today.