22y/o with a foggy mind: hypothyroidism

[MichSMC]

Slowly over the last 6 months, I have been having a harder time remembering and learning my classwork. I can focus on what the professor is saying but my brain seems to let it wash through. I was looking straight at my prof the other day, I could hear the words, but I couldn't comprehend it enough to put it on paper. Also, I have been extremely weak, to the point of shuffling my feet instead of walking. Dry skin, sensitivity to cold, and slight weight gain have also been occuring. I have been suffering from consistent depression, very slight and nagging for the last 2 months with increasing irritability. Within the last couple months I have been exercising and eating better with no general improvement. In fact, my mind seems to be slipping more. At times, I have a hard time even articulating myself and lately have started stuttering. I mean to say one thing and other words come out.. repeatedly. For example, I kept saying "shoehorn" instead of "horseshoe" the other day.

I have set up an appt. with a physician this week to discuss these issues. I believe it is a thyroid (hypo- specifically) issue but am unsure of myself. I was wondering if there was any general tips on what to say, ask. I fear the physican will claim it is only depression and try to silence me with a pill. I graduated undergraduate school last may with honors and occasional depression hence no difficulty with concentration and thought while 'down'. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

You should have thyroid labs including antibodies -- sounds like you have some of the hypo symptoms but comprehensive testing is the only way to confirm.

[Jenipeni]

Hi Mich,

I am sorry to read about the hard time you are having.

While there are many possible causes for your symptoms, your thyroid is worth looking at.  Make sure you tell your Dr if anyone else in your family has had thyroid problems.

Before you see your Dr, I suggest writing a list of your symptoms for him/her.  This way you don't forget any - and it makes it easier for the Dr too.  Less stress on the day as well.

Allow the doctor to give thier opinion first - not many like it when their patient's diagnose themselves, especially with thyroid problems.  

If the Dr hasn't already offered to do blood tests for thyroid, you could say something simple like...

"Could we do a blood test for thyroid levels?"

If the Dr brushes you off, persist and firmly but calmly say something like...

"I would really like to have my thyroid levels done for my peace of mind."


I personally find it best to stick with the simplest form of question possible, especially when experiencing brain fog and the pressure/stress of being at the Dr's and trying to get them to take you seriously.

Any good Dr should be willing to investigate other causes for your fatigue related symptoms before prescribing you anti-depressants.  

Other potential causes (of many) could be;
-anaemia (low iron is one cause but their are others such as low B12, badly formed Red blood cells etc, they can do a Full Blood Exam, Iron Studies & Serum B12)
-Diabetes (fasting glucose)
-Adrenals (high or low - Cortisol test)

Unfortunately there is no test to tell us if we are just depressed, and I'll bet the drug companies are glad of that!!! LOL!
An interesting fact that you may or may not be aware of is that high acheivers are often prone to getting depression.  Even if it is depression, it's not the end of the world, there are treatments and it will not be forever.  

Always start with the easy/simple things first - what I mean is (and I copied this from another conversation had on this forum - thanks Berky!);
Proper diet and moderate excercise, keeping yourself happy and laughing alot and being nice to people.
Having proper sleep, rest and relaxation.

By the way CONGRATULATIONS on graduating with honours! That's hard work!  Well done!
Best wishes
jenipeni