Persistent Brain Fog

[JamesElder]

So I’ve been dealing with this weird brain fog that makes me feel like I’m in a dream. This comes along with a tension headache feeling as well (as if my brain is congested). I’ve experienced this for about 3 months now. It’s a very disturbing issue, as it’s caused a lot of anxiety and makes me feel like I’m missing out on life. I’ve also noticed that the buzz/euphoria I used to get from alcohol and tobacco is a lot duller. Anything that may be causing this? I also have a low sex drive and some depression as well. I’m currently on Wellbutrin 300 mg XL and 100 mg testosterone per week. Does anyone know what could be causing this weird brain fog?
Here are some of my labs:

 

[CoastWatcher]

JamesElder, Can you give us a bit more history? How old are you? How long have you been on TRT? When were you diagnosed with depression? Have you a history of head injury? What are your sleep patterns like? You mentioned alcohol - how much do you drink? Do you use recreational drugs? How much tobacco do you use? What have your doctors suggested migh be the cause of you complaintant?

 

[Vince Carter]

Just viewing your lab ranges you need to see your Dr and begin treating your Thryoid T3/T4/Free T3 values. Your TSH isn't of much concern but those three values are all at the bottom or below range. There could be something there, I don't see concern in your T and E readings. I like that T @ 1297 though.

 

[JamesElder]

JamesElder, Can you give us a bit more history? How old are you? How long have you been on TRT? When were you diagnosed with depression? Have you a history of head injury? What are your sleep patterns like? You mentioned alcohol - how much do you drink? Do you use recreational drugs? How much tobacco do you use? What have your doctors suggested migh be the cause of you complaintant?

I am actually very young. Im only 20. I've been on trt for 10 months, had brain fog for 3. I've had depression for about a year. I sleep 8 hours a night, I drink once or twice a week (in college), and I dont really do drugs at all. My doctors think it's a result of depression but I'm not so sure since I've been depressed for a really long time and the brain fog is relatively new.

 

[JamesElder]

Just viewing your lab ranges you need to see your Dr and begin treating your Thryoid T3/T4/Free T3 values. Your TSH isn't of much concern but those three values are all at the bottom or below range. There could be something there, I don't see concern in your T and E readings. I like that T @ 1297 though.

I've brought this up with my doctors plenty of times, they all think that the thyroid tests look fine.

 

[James]

Ask your doc if taking 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 is a good idea. Your vitamin D was close to mine. I started on D3 and I can tell a difference.

 

[CoastWatcher]

I am actually very young. Im only 20. I've been on trt for 10 months, had brain fog for 3. I've had depression for about a year. I sleep 8 hours a night, I drink once or twice a week (in college), and I dont really do drugs at all. My doctors think it's a result of depression but I'm not so sure since I've been depressed for a really long time and the brain fog is relatively new.

You began TRT before your 21st birthday? What were your blood values that you and your doctors believed that was necessary? Was it clearly explained that you were suppressing your own, natural production of testosterone? In so doing, you are putting your fertility at risk - to say nothing of the fact that TRT is a lifetime commitment. In your case, that's decades and decades of injections.

 

[JamesElder]

Just viewing your lab ranges you need to see your Dr and begin treating your Thryoid T3/T4/Free T3 values. Your TSH isn't of much concern but those three values are all at the bottom or below range. There could be something there, I don't see concern in your T and E readings. I like that T @ 1297 though.

I've talked to my doctor about this, he thinks that the values are normal. You think this could be an issue?

 

[Re-Ride]

Ask your doc if taking 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 is a good idea. Your vitamin D was close to mine. I started on D3 and I can tell a difference.

D25 hydroxy serum assay: Optimal is still controversial. While it's generally advisable to "ask your doc" an MD is the last person I would turn to for advice on this specific issue. They generally prescribe 50,000 IU ergocalciferol in a weekly pill.

(1) not everyone responds to D2, or D3 supplementation. Ergo did nothing for me taking it diligently for several years. Even when switched to Rx grade cholcalciferol at 5k/day I was still 5-11 on serum assay.

(2) other co-factors such as magnesium or some form of K -may- be important.

(3) dietary evaluation, getting adequate sunlight exposure or use of phototherapy -may- be an option. Even with adequate intake absorption and metabolism are separate issues.

(4) 34 ng/ml serum D25 -may- be just fine. science is not yet conclusive.

(5) consider the pros and cons of getting a dexiscan and/or cervical, lombar spine x rays to guestimate bone density IF you have access to a specialist who knows how to interpret them and you've been informed about the risks of ionizing radiation.

 

[James]

JamesElder - My Vitamin D was where yours is, my doc suggested 5,000 IU daily (get from health food store, no prescription necessary). I've had a lot of luck with it. As many will say, tweak one thing at a time, so you know what's making the difference. Or of course you can 'ask your doc' about getting a dexiscan and/or cervical, lombar spine x ray to guestimate bone density. Good luck buddy.