Ringing in my ears and stiffness

[Delirious242]

Hello I have been taking Levo since 2016 and also trying to conceive during this time. For the last 6 months I have been noticing stiffness in my neck like something is not quite right and also constant ringing in my ear. I am a few weeks pregnant and this seems to have got worse. I have told the GP about it a few times but they say it’s nothing and I don’t have a swelling or anything. But it does not feel right. My dose has been increased to 125mcg but feeling anxious. Any advice would be great. Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

How long ago were vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin tested?

Low vitamin B12 is common when hypo and often causes tinnitus

Request GP tests asap

What vitamin supplements have you been taking prior to conception?

You will need bloods retested again after increase in dose of Levothyroxine

[Delirious242 in reply to SlowDragon]

Hi slowdragon. I have been taking pregnacare folic acid. I was taking magnesium but to be honest I’m too scared to take additional things in case it harms the baby. I have requested tests you have suggested so waiting for that. And have been advised been to retest levo in four weeks from the 11th June. I’m on 125mcg levo.

[Delirious242 in reply to SlowDragon]

And also I am concerned that this may be goitre? But I don’t have the common symptoms. Any thoughts?

[silverfox7]

Congratulations! The ringing is probably tinnitus and I wish I could tell you it will go away but I e had it for over 30 years so try to ignore it and that often calms it down.

Have they told you that whilst pregnant your TSH should be under 2 so it's important for baby that you get tested to make sure that stays low. I understand that maternity usually have a dedicated nurse/doctor to keep an eye on mum but I have my children beforeci was diagnosed so not needed the TSH being kept an eye on then. If your doctor isn't aware of this then may be he could refer you earlier and explain why.

[Delirious242 in reply to silverfox7]

Thanks silverfox7 I am aware of tsh being under 2. Mine was 11 a few weeks ago. So they increased the dose. I’ve got my first ante-natal appt next week but it can’t come soon enough.

[silverfox7 in reply to Delirious242]

Thanks good, they seem to be looking out for you! Hope everything goes well and let us know when your little bundle of joy arrives!

[HLAB35]

Presumably you are taking folic acid for the pregnancy. This advice is really for the benefit of your unborn baby, not for you. Folate should be balanced with B12 to get all of its benefits, and ideally, be in methylated form. A lot of pregnant women get symptoms of low b12 and I suspect it is because they are taking folic acid which 'uses up' your personal b12 stores from the liver. Nerves and neural tubes require folate AND b12.

Ask to have your b12 levels checked as tinnitus is a symptom of low levels of this, also of Magnesium which would account for your stiffness. As oral Magnesium can act as a laxative - not a good idea in pregnancy - a transdermal spray or gel applied to the neck would be safer.

[Delirious242 in reply to HLAB35]

Thank you that is so helpful. Have requested tests via the GP. I shouldn’t just take the b12 supplements right?

[HLAB35 in reply to Delirious242]

No, you'll get a false higher reading if you supplement. Once you have had the results or even after the test (as long as they don't repeat it which would be unusual) it is fine to supplement, hence the urgency! Get onto the PA forum if you need B12 help asking for the correct treatment.

[Delirious242 in reply to HLAB35]

Sorry what’s the PA forum?

[HLAB35 in reply to Delirious242]

Also on Health Unlocked... They are primarily concerned with B12 deficiency related issues, but there is a lot of crossover of traffic with the Thyroid forum.

[Delirious242 in reply to HLAB35]

And thank you

[Hidden in reply to Delirious242]

Pernicious anaemia