Brain Fog Due to Hypothyroidism?

[Yumm]

My symptoms:
- Brain Fog: difficulty concentrating, moody, lethargic -- it feels like I don't fully awaken
- Difficulty getting out of bed due to a tired, lazy feeling (but, I do awaken without an alarm)
- The problem is mostly related to mental energy and not physical energy
- The lazy feeling continues through the day, but slowly diminishes as the day progresses
- By late afternoon I am more functional, sometimes feel pretty good
- Symptoms are very consistent and the worst in the winter (November to February)
- I can barely function when the symptoms are severe - I feel like sitting in a chair or laying in bed, but not doing much else
- Symptoms are less severe and less consistent in non-winter months
- Symptoms are least in May and June
- Except for the winter months I may be symptom-free on any given day, sometimes for many days in a row (it seems arbitrary, but I'm sure it's not)
- I've had this problem for my whole adult life, but it seems that it is worse now than when I was younger; I didn't even recognize it as a problem until I got older

General health - Male, I have a positive attitude, I eat very well, I am not overweight, maybe a bit too thin (6 feet tall, 150 lbs, 70 kg), I am not over-stressed, I am not anxious, I exercise, I have no other chronic conditions, I sleep well (fall asleep at around 10:00, awaken at around 5:30), standard blood tests show no problems, in the winter I struggle with exercising, in the spring and summer I can ride a bicycle on hilly terrain for long distances without problems

I've considered allergies and have seen one allergy doctor who doesn't think I have any significant allergy problems.  I have tried antihistamines with no positive results.

I've seen a psychiatrist who has prescribed Wellbutrin (no positive results), St. John's Wort (no positive results), Pristiq (no positive results).

I do gain apparent energy with 30 mg of Adderall (I'll probably increase to 40 mg), prescribed by the psychiatrist.  So far, this is the only medication that has had a positive effect.

There seems to be a seasonal and daily cycle related to my symptoms.

Should I consider hypothyroidism?

[Barb135]

I'm with the rest - consider blood work for thyroid or other medical problems, but don't discount the idea of SAD.  

You don't say what you do (type of work,student, etc) but SAD can also be present in people who don't get enough sunlight at any time of the year, if you happen to spend your time in an office, factory, etc where there is no natural light.

There are a variety of lights that to be used.  Maybe you need to try a different type or intensity of light or use it at different times of the day or lengths of time.  

[Yumm]

I've considered SAD as a possibility, but I have tried a few different SAD lights and I did not notice any positive effects.  I have also tried anti-depression medication and I did not notice any positive effects.

My symptoms are present in July and August, too, although not nearly as consistent nor extreme as in the winter.

[stella5349]

Yes - consider thyroid disease along with SAD with your symptoms. Testing for thyroid would be a good start.

Brain Fog is huge in hypothyroidism and being undertreated at times.

Tanning helps me too. Not with the brain fog but overall feeling of goodness. I was told the meletonin increases and that is a "feel good" thing for most.

Not to push tanning on you - because it is said it is not good -

Sea Kelp is inconsistant and not a good regulator for thyroid health. It can damage the gland and make it dependant for life on iodine replacement meds. Getting tested is better before taking something to supplement a theory.  

Glad to hear you stopped until your testing comes back and you will talk more with your doctor.

[Dnmh]

You don't mention what region you're in. Not discounting thyroid but did you consider seasonal affective disorder? The fact that it seems worse in the winter months made me think of that. Only reason I know of it was a previous co-worker was diagnosed with it - for a lot of the same symptoms as you describe - for almost the same periods in the seasons. Her Dr. put her on Vitamin D, Calcium & Magnesium. He also suggested tanning beds ie: light therapy.
In winter months here in the Northeast - we have very little sun and it's too cold to be out when it is - this causes Vit D deficiency - which causes the disorder.

Avallon - I've taken Sea Kelp for iodine. It's said to be good for thyroid health. I stopped taking it until I know exactly what is going on with mine - then will discuss with my doc before trying it again.

[Avallon]

I'm also a male. Your symptoms are like mine. After about 5 months on Armour, I'm only now feeling better. I do believe my dose is still too little but it seems to be working nevertheless. I also purchased Iodoral a couple of weeks ago, which is an iodine supplement. I'm not taking it every day and not sure if it's helping. I believe it may be. Get a blood test done. It's relatively inexpensive and make sure you specifically request that your thyroid be checked as well.

[gimel]

Your symptoms certainly should be pursued by having blood testing done.  Testing should include at least free T3 and free T4, along with TSH.  Hopefully you have a doctor , or can find one in your area, that understands thyroid problems and will run these tests and know how to respond to the results. In the interim I suggest that you might want to do your own evaluation by checking your temperature numerous times and comparing the average to the optimal of 98.6.   You can read about low temperature  as an indication of low metabolism/low thyroid in this link.

http://www.drrind.com/tempgraph.asp