Vitamin B12 can cause brain fog, fatigue, and low libido that are often underplayed, explained away, or chalked up as ‘normal.’
And this is more prevalent than you may realize. If I had a nickel for every woman who’s told me their healthcare provider said their brain fog, fatigue, and low libido are ‘normal’ symptoms of hormone changes, long COVID, menopause, age, or stress, I’d be a ridiculously wealthy woman.
Many more women (and men) are given the same explanations. We’re asked to accept these disruptive symptoms, deal with our new ‘normal’ and get on with our lives. We leave our doctor’s offices feeling frustrated, unseen, and sometimes, pretty damn hopeless. We deserve better.
My brain fog started as a mist.
It started with fuzzy thinking which I attributed to needing one extra hour of sleep or more protein for breakfast. It progressed into searching for words and coming up empty. As the fog got denser, I started having trouble remembering names and details. Fatigue rolled in with the fog and then, my “Hello Sexy!” libido tanked. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
A few months later, ‘normal’ brain fog totally rocked my world.
My brain fog hit a crescendo when my husband Andrew, and I were at a dinner party last year. We said our hellos as we made our way through a room filled with smiling faces to our table. As my husband turned to grab my hand, he was struck by the blank look that came across my face as one of the smiling women hugged me.
Andrew dropped his voice to a whisper, brought his mouth close to my ear and gently asked, “Baby, are you okay?” I started to shake. My eyes filled with tears. With a quivering lip, I asked, “How do I know her?” He was floored. I could see the fear in his eyes.
I’ve always been known for my razor sharp memory. I’m the woman who remembers everyone’s names and the names of their extended family members after a first meeting. He knew something was terribly wrong. The mystery woman who hugged me had just hosted us for dinner three weeks earlier. My world was rocked.
I felt lost, scared, and confused.
I knew my body and my mind. I’d been meditating for 30 years. I’d studied brain science. I reflected on everything I know about mindfulness, physiology, and neuroscience to stitch together some sort of explanation that would help me crack the code.
It was an isolating time for me. I was afraid to tell anyone else what was happening so Andrew and I kept it between us. My symptoms became the biggest thing in every room of our home. I was the picture of health until I wasn’t.
My doctors told me my symptoms were ‘normal.’
I made appointments with my doctors to get answers. My gynecologist said, “Honey, these are just ‘normal’ menopausal symptoms. Welcome to the club!”
My PCP said my brain fog, fatigue, and low libido were ‘normal’ aging symptoms. A ‘specialist’ explained all of them as ‘normal’ symptoms of early MS or Parkinson’s. Then, she left the room and said, “Or, you could have a brain tumor. We should schedule you for an MRI.”
I sat in her office that day and cried a river of tears. Those words were devastating and I was terrified. I rely on my mind for my work as a coach, podcaster and writer. I couldn’t imagine losing my memories. I couldn’t bear the thought of my body slowly eroding.
None of my healthcare providers could produce enough evidence to support their explanations. I knew that. I also knew I was terrified, furious, and determined. I refused to accept ‘normal’ without putting up a damn good fight.
‘Normal’ could have cost me my life.
I couldn’t accept ‘normal.’ None of it made sense. The onset of my symptoms felt so sudden. I found a well respected neurologist. He’d studied at Duke and his resume was impressive. He listened and after 30 minutes, he said, “I’d like to run my own labs, if that’s okay with you.”
Less than 15 minutes later, he had hard evidence that explained my symptoms. There was nothing ‘normal’ about any of them.
My VitaminB12 (also called cobalamin) was dangerously low. I was wildly deficient. He was shocked that my cognitive function and physical health were as good as they were. (Thank you mindfulness and meditation!)
He went on to tell me the story of a patient that was referred to him for follow up care. He had been diagnosed with ALS. He was confined to a wheelchair. His spine had become brittle and he was unable to walk. His speech was slurred and his memory was compromised. He had difficulty using his extremities.
My doctor did something remarkable. Rather than accepting that his patient had ALS, he ran a B12 lab and discovered that the man was wildly deficient. He began treating him with weekly B12 injections. As it turns out, B12 deficiency is even more prevalent in men.
After one year of treatment his patient was able to walk again. His brain came back online and his cognition improved. My doctor wrapped up his story by telling me his patient was one year younger than me and that my B12 levels were 10 points lower than his. Holy shit.
One discerning doctor and weekly B-12 injections saved my life.
He prescribed a weekly B12 injection and told me I may need it for the rest of my life. After one shot, I was back! My brain fog lifted. My energy improved. My libido said, “Well, hello there!” and my razor sharp memory flooded with life as it came back online.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a ‘normal’ oversight in healthcare.
I asked my doctor why the other doctors I’d seen had missed something that was so obvious to him. He gave me two solid explanations.
He said this oversight is ‘normal’ in healthcare because B12 is not tested as part of a standard CBC.
The second reason Vitamin B12 deficiency is commonly missed is that lab values vary. This is where challenging our healthcare providers to redefine ‘normal’ becomes so important.
Neurologists consider any value below 400 a deficiency. PCPs and other non-neurological providers consider 300 and above ‘normal.’ That 100 point swing is significant and here’s why.
Harvard Health says, “Doctors don’t routinely test for vitamin B12 levels, so vitamin B12 deficiency can go unnoticed. “
Vitamin B12 is essential for your brain and body health.
Your brain and nervous system rely on Vitamin B12 to function well and be healthy. Your cognition, memory, the health of your nerves, and your entire nervous system all rely on Vitamin B12. Your body needs B12 to feel energetic and alive!
- This vitamin is the master creator of something called myelin that helps your nerves register sensations in your body.
- B12 is the vitamin that creates your red blood cells.
- Your skin, nails, and hair need B12 to look fabulous and be healthy.
- B12 promotes optic nerve and eye health.
- Research studies have also linked B12 to bone health and depression.
The causes of B12 deficiency vary.
There are a host of reasons why people experience Vitamin B12 deficiency. It can be caused by a genetic factor like an auto-immune disorder. It can stem from drinking too much alcohol. It can be caused by a vegan diet. And, some people develop it after age 50.
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that we absorb through eating foods like salmon, kidney beans, dairy products, beef, fruits, and veggies. through our food. (Check out this article from the NIH for a complete list of foods and daily serving suggestions.)
I learned that my body doesn’t absorb Vitamin B12 through my food because of a missing protein in my stomach. That’s why I need a weekly injection.
My story is not unique.
In the last year alone, I’ve known at least two dozen other women in my close circle with similar symptoms to mine. As they’ve told me their frustrating stories I’ve asked, “Have you had your B12 checked?”
Like me, most of them thought this lab test would have been checked in their annual blood work. They were surprised to find out it’s not.
5 out of 24 discovered a serious Vitamin B12 deficiency.
They challenged their healthcare providers. They challenged their ‘normal’ lab values. Under their physician’s care they are getting B12 injections like me or a sublingual B12 pill every week.
They’re amazed at how powerful this simple treatment is for them. They feel healthier, more energetic, and struggle with far less of the ‘normal’ symptoms.
Six more women and two men told me similar stories just hours after I released this episode of my She Grabs The Mic podcast. This tells me there are many more of us that need to be having this important conversation so our minds and our bodies can stay healthy.
Here are three micro-coaching tips to help you start the conversation and take charge of your health.
- Challenge ‘normal.’ This is so important. It can feel intimidating to challenge a healthcare provider with years of schooling and knowledge. And, you have every right to advocate for yourself. Your brain fog, fatigue, and low libido could be an imbalance in your hormones. They could be symptoms of stress or a lack of essential sleep. They could be an undetected Vitamin B-12 deficiency, or something else you need to discover. Lead with a mindset of confidence. Challenge your healthcare providers with good intent. Ask until you have the evidence and solutions you need to be well.
- Ask to have your Vitamin B12 level tested. If you are suffering from brain fog, fatigue, low libido, tingling in your extremities, or anything else that is concerning and you’ve never had your B12 tested, make an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible and ask.
- Labs ranges vary and so do the doctors who read them. Neurologists consider people with Vitamin B-12 levels below 400 pg/mL deficient. Many other providers consider values above 300, ‘normal.’ Challenge ‘normal.’ If your values are below 300 pg/mL, get a second opinion- preferably with a neurologist.
Most importantly, trust your body, trust your wisdom, and trust yourself. No one knows you like you do. Lead with a mindset of confidence and curiosity until you get the care and answers you need to be your best, feel your best, and live your best life.
*This blog post is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. If you have questions about your health, consult your healthcare provider or go to your nearest hospital for help.
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