Questions About Hypothyroidism?

Question

I believe I may have had this my entire life, but was only diagnosed last year. I take eltroxin. Sometimes I still have insomnia and memory problems. Before I was treated, my symptoms varied from severe to almost non-existant. I would like to know if this is possible for the severity of the condition to vary depending upon factors like emotional stress. Also, will my memory ever come back? Sometimes I feel so stupid. People tell me I am not, and I recently re-enrolled in college and received very good marks, but I just don't feel as smart as I was a few years ago. Could this condition cause permanent brain damage? I know sometimes the sympathetic nervous system will overcompensate by releasing too much epinephren. I had a spell that went on for months, that was like being on a bad speed trip I couldn't get off of. Could having too much epinephren in my system have caused permanent damage?

I'm 35 and I mean memory loss similar to senile dementia. I know with aging people forget some things, but not complete blackouts. There were times I forgot everything, including how to speak. I couldn't remember common words, and even forgot my name at times. I've had my t3 & t4 levels checked every six months, and so far they have been stable now that I'm on medication.

Answer 1

i don't have a lot of education in this field.. but the answer ahead of me.. sounds very reasonable..
I would ck w/ my Dr.. to be sure everything is accurate.. and be on the safe side.. .. nothing against the person..

I gave them a thumb ups.. and u a big STAR...
I think this is very interesting..

Answer 2

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 9 years ago, and take eltroxin also. My memory hasn't been the same. I studied for master's degree 18 years ago. Now I have decided to change careers and I'm studying law. It's the most difficult thing. Of course I am much older and I have a family now, so all of these things contribute to make studying harder.

I don't think hypothyroidism causes brain damage, but it certainly does affect your confidence, because your memory is affected. Hypothyroidism is also supposed to make it difficult for you to conceive. I had no difficulty at all, even though I was an older mother. So you will probably find that some symptoms bother you more than other people with the same condition. I have learned to deal with it and accept that I will not ever feel the same as I did before. For example, I don't have the amount of energy that I used to.

On the plus side, an endocrinologist told me that if you have to have a chronic condition, hypothyroidism is the best one to have as it is the only one he could think of that does not adversely affect other organs in your body. So it's not a death sentance and will not shorten your life. You will need to adjust to it and learn other memory techniques, because unfortunately it will not go away. I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Many people who are hypothyroid, don't convert enough T4 into T3. That's why some symptoms never realy improve. I'd advise you to get a free t4 and free t3 test the next time you have blood work. Make sure its a morning test. If the free t3 is below midrange, it could mean you might feel better with a medication that is both T4 and T3 like Armour thyroid. The T3 in Armour helps symptoms such as brain fog, depression, hairloss, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. What you describe, sounds like brain fog. Yes, it can improve with a med like Armour. It did for me.

additional info......You need a free t4 and free t3. A total T4 and T3 is not enough. The free t3 needs to be midrange or higher. Having a low free t3 level can cause brain fog

Answer 4

Well
I bumped into a good online resource about hypothyroidism (a desease I'm trying to overcome myself). Check it out here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=560

Answer 5

I also have hypothyroid. The thyroid produces a hormone that affects many of your bodily functions. Low thyroid can be a problem of aging, similar to the loss of estrogen during menopause. You didn't give your age, but memory loss is also a consequence of aging. There is lots of info on the internet--Google low thyroid. My doctor wants me to come in regularly for blood tests--a TSH test to adjust the dosage if necessary. My doctor won't renew my prescription unless she sees me first. I'm not qualified to discuss your other problems, since I haven't experienced them. You have to talk to your doctor.