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Not sure what's causing brain fog, anxiety, hormonal imbalance?
Hello, I'm Cat, 19 years old. I may be posting in the wrong section but I thought I'd give it a shot. I am at a great weight for my height (154 lb, 5'9") , over all healthy and happy college student currently getting my nursing degree.
In October of 2019, I was standing in my kitchen and suddenly needed to sit down; not like dizziness but I felt very out of it. I figured I had too much coffee and went to sleep. However, I woke up the next morning and still felt that way. The best way to describe it is feeling 'high', everything feels very smooth, dull. Due to the fact that it mimics the effect of being intoxicated, I didn't drive, leave my dorm and ended up having to see a therapist because it was brought with a lot of depression and anxiety. I ended not driving for about 4 months, February 2020.
During that period I was seeing every doctor I could think of and getting every test they recommended from a full physical, blood tests, several thyroid tests as I have Hashimoto's, EKG, lots of therapy and everything was coming back normal. I eventually met with a neurologist who dismissed this as a neurological issue but did mention my Kyleena hormonal IUD I got back in June of 2019. It made sense in my head as my period did normalize in October when this 'brain fog' started and that was the only new thing I had added to my life.
Flash forward to November 4, 2020, I finally got my IUD removed after finding an article on Buzzworthy titled "My Hormonal IUD Ruined A Year Of My Life" . It was the only thing that explained my symptoms to a T, the only difference was a different brand of IUD and I have not experienced any form of disassociation/derealization. I wish I could say things got better after this but they actually got much worse. My symptoms intensified, feeling 'high' seemed to get worse, my anxiety has gotten to the point where all that helps is a .5 mg of Lorazapam and sleeping. I had to quit my job and move back home with my mom because living alone and not being able to leave my house was both impossible and unnecessary when it came to my anxiety.
I understand that this may be a hormonal imbalance and I have been taking the appropriate measures to try to get them back on track by taking my Levothyroxine everyday, for my thyroid, which I always have, Zoloft and Lorazapam to help cope with my current situation, a low dose birth control pill, Magnesium, and Vitamin D3. I have also been eating a low-carb diet and trying to get on an appropriate sleep schedule. Although I feel very out of it all the time, cognitively I feel the same. Nothing has changed in my mobility, my memory is fine; I was able to complete 2 semesters in college with an A,B average and i have not displayed or felt any form of psychosis.
Anyway, is there anyone else who has had an experience similar to this and has gotten through it? Also, is there any form of treatment I could be doing to help rebalance my hormones faster? I know naturally is the way to go but with the amount of anxiety and depression this has brought, it feels impossible to wait 3-4 months to get back to normal, at 19 almost 20, I see much more of myself than living in my bed and dreading the next day ahead. I have considered going on a higher dose birth control that I have used before that did not cause any side effects but is that a good idea?
I appreciate whoever takes the time to read this, I know it's long and confusing. Additionally, if you do share the same story I feel for you and know that everyday is an uphill battle but you're not alone!
Thanks!
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@catcr505 Good morning and welcome to MayoClinicConnect. We’re a group of people, not doctors, from all over, who try to help each other thru our own experiences. I’ve not experienced what you’re describing. Sounds like it has change your life. You mentioned that you’ve seen every doctor you could think of—was one doctor an endocrinologist? They specialize in hormones and hormone-producing glands in the body. You certainly don’t want to try to change your hormone levels without a physician’s help. You might try going to a large medical center or university for guidance. Can you do that?
Also, how did you find your way to MayoClinicConnect? We’re here for you all the time!
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4 ReactionsHi Becky, thanks for replying. I have seen an endocrinologist regularly about this problem because I have Hypothyroidism so, on top of seeing her regularly, I also discussed this issue with her. Additionally, the university here may be an option, but I think I would consider going to another medical center with a better success rate. Lastly, my father did some work for Mayo and showed me this site.
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4 Reactions@catcr505 I add my welcome to you, also, for being here at Mayo Connect. I'm glad your dad pointed out this site to you, and you'll see we really do care for each other. As @becsbuddy mentioned, getting in to see good specialists is critical to figure out what is going on. It must be scary, and frustrating, to know how your lifestyle has changed in barely a year.
A large teaching hospital may be a great place to help get answers, if you cannot get to a Mayo Clinic campus. They are located in Rochester [MN], Jacksonville [FL], and Phoenix [AZ].
Has your endocrinlogist teamed up with an OB/GYN to work on your situation for the hormone balance? I have to wonder if a complete workup is called for here, blood work and all?
Ginger
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3 Reactions@catcr505 I'd like to extend my welcome. You are having debilitating symptoms but the source is unknown.
I'd like to connect you with members like yourself. I changed the title of your discussion and I added your discussion to the groups Epilepsy & Seizures, Depression and Anxiety, Diabetes/Endocrine System, and Women's Health because you mentioned either a diagnosis or a symptom that is or may be related to any number of these group topics. Members like @daphne47 @dawn_giacabazi @jakedduck1 @mandrake70 @hassana725 @earscan @contentandwell @hopeful33250 are active member in these groups and make be able to help answer your question, order direct you to someone that can.
Below I have also linked a discussion that you may find of interest to you. You may want to scroll through the posts to find previous suggestions
- Mirena https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mirena/
It sounds like you have sought appropriate care. Many tests have been done and many specialist advised. I agree with Ginger, are you and your family in a position to seek care at a more collaborative hospital?
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4 ReactionsHi thank you for doing that, i appreciate it! And sort of, due to this, it was been difficult for me to travel as well as COVID. I'm in New Mexico and the UNM hospital is not terrible but in the past they were not able to figure out that I had a thyroid problem. I recently scheduled a phone appointment with Mayo Clinic. Do you have any recommendations on what my next step should be or how I go about going to a collaborative hospital?
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4 ReactionsHi Ginger, thanks for replying. I've had some difficulty communicating with my OB/GYN, it's something I'm used to though "you're IUD/birth control could never cause this" and my endocrinologist is unsure of where to go next. That's why I think seeking other opinions is my best option as medical care in New Mexico is a little iffy sometimes.
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3 ReactionsScratch that, it was a different hospital, St. Vincents in Santa Fe. I could reach out to UNM hospital, it is a teaching hospital.
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1 ReactionIf you live in New Mexico, how tough would it be to get to Mayo Arizona? Take a few days, stay there and maybe start with enocrinologist, then let her/him take it from there. See whomever you need and truly find out what's happening so you can go forward. You'll get the work-up you need, see docs who will work for you and get some answers, some peace of mind. worth a lot. wish you well on your journey....blessings, Elizabeth
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5 ReactionsHi Elizabeth, thanks for replying! That's a great idea, I reached out to the clinic in AZ and they have appointments as soon as January so thank you for that! I'll update you soon!
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6 ReactionsI was young and had children before there was birth control and i remember the problems that women had with the first treatments and doses. It seems to be a hormonal problem, as you say. I had some experience with Zanax which I took at bedtime before my husband died, and that got me through a difficult period. I tried a couple of the drugs you mentioned and never got past two pills before I gave them up. In my middle ages I took a different regimen suggested by my gynocologist and could not tolerate Progesterone, so I took estrogen for ten years until they declared that not a good regimen anymore. My main feeling is that when you have unsatisfactory experience with these drugs it is best to return to a holistic, more normal lifestyle. I believe in a balanced diet and sunshine for developing vitamin D, as well as finding a mental health style that meets your needs. You decide what is best for you. I am glad you are living at home because that should help create a stable time for you. Sorry I can't think of any ideas to help, but my long life hasn't figured everything yet. Hormones are a difficult part of our body to maintain, expecially when pregnant and the body is kicking out up to ten times the normal insulin to grow a baby. I know about that because I vomited through three pregnancies and tried every trick offered to me. We are still looking for answers, it seems. Dorisena
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