Brain Fog Related to a Thyroid Condition? Here’s What You Can Do

If you are being treated for your thyroid disorder, do not assume that your doctor is doing all he or she can, especially if you are still experiencing symptoms, including brain fog.

If you are suffering from a thyroid disorder, you may be experiencing several unpleasant symptoms. One of these symptoms may be “brain fog”. Although brain fog is not an official medical term, many of us probably have some idea of what this condition entails. Read on to find out more about brain fog, what you can expect if you are experiencing brain fog as a result of your thyroid disorder, and how best to treat it.
Brain fog may be a symptom that results from a thyroid disorder. The brain requires certain levels of the thyroid hormone in order to function properly. That is why many patients who have a thyroid disorder experience brain fog. Here are some of its symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of focus
• Feeling “spaced out”
• Confusion
• Difficulty thinking clearly
• Feeling anxious or irritable
• Feeling tired and unmotivated
There are other conditions that may lead to brain fog, many of which are commonly found in those suffering from thyroid disorders. A common one of these may be iron deficiency which can lead to fatigue and hair loss. Here are some other symptoms of thyroid disorder that may lead to brain fog:

• Lack of sleep
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Excessive carbohydrate intake
• Inflammation
• Autoimmune disease

Luckily, thyroid conditions and related symptoms (including brain fog) are all completely treatable. If you are getting treatment for your thyroid condition and are still experiencing brain fog, it may be a sign that the treatment you are receiving is not adequate. Many mainstream physicians and endocrinologists will be satisfied with your treatment if your medication is causing your blood tests (focusing on the TSH levels) to come back as ‘normal’.
However, more integrative and functional physicians will look for results beyond your blood tests. These will include a resolution of your symptoms including brain fog. They will also look at your blood tests, but will also make sure that TSH, free T4 and free T3 are all at optimal levels which would show a TSH below 2.0 and free T4 and T3 levels that fall within the top half of the reference range.

If you are experiencing brain fog in relation to your thyroid disorder, you should speak to your physician abut treatment options. Start by asking for a complete thyroid evaluation. Ask for testing to evaluate your iron levels and thyroid levels. Find out if an iron supplement is necessary or if there are any other possible changes in treatment that may be effective in making your mind clearer.
Thyroid condition is common but, fortunately, it is also very treatable. If you are being treated for your thyroid disorder, do not assume that your doctor is doing all he or she can, especially if you are still experiencing symptoms, including brain fog. Research to familiarize yourself with your condition so you can ask the right questions and make sure that you are receiving the optimal treatment for your disorder.

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