levothyroxine and tinnitus

[Caradoc1a]

After radioactive iodine in Jan 24, I developed hypoactive thyroid and was given 100mcg Levothyroxine. Felt ill after 4 hours or so with high pitched hissing in ears and then chest pain. Was admitted to A&E with suspected heart attack as there was an ischemic irregularity. Turns out I have an intolerance to Levothyroxine as subsequent 50mcg also made me feel unwell. I am now on 25mcg of this, together with 2 x 10mcg of Liothyronine Sodium, per day. I still have the hissing in ears. Does anyone else have this? The Endocrinologist says it is not related but it felt so much a cause and effect that I doubt what he says.

Thanks

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Welcome to forum

Do you have thyroid function results ?

TSH, FT4 & FT3 levels with lab range. (Lab ranges differ so always needed)

Tinnitus common symptom with Low FT4 & FT3.

[Caradoc1a in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for replying. Mid September blood test showed TSH 4.01. FT4 and FT3 not tested.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Caradoc1a]

You take T3 so that often considerably lowers TSH. That TSH is high in range. When on treatment most need it low in range, nearer 1.

TSH isn’t a thyroid hormone, it’s a chemical signal from pituitary telling to thyroid to work. You need to know the FT4 & FT3 levels.

Many test privately to get a full picture.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to Caradoc1a]

Order a kit online and sample can be taken by fingerprick test, (extra fee for clinic visit / home visit venous draw) sample posted back & results available online often very quickly.

Sample recommended to be taken at 09.00 - fast overnight, avoid biotin 3 days before test. delay replacement until after draw - Even if you normally take a single dose T3, on the day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day, with last dose approximately 8-12 hours before test

See link on Timing and reasons for Thyroid blood tests

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

See link for private companies with discounts with many packages & options.

thyroiduk.org/testing/priva...

Medichecks thyroid advanced is as good option. Includes key nutrients (also TPO & TG antibodies)

[Caradoc1a in reply to PurpleNails]

Thank you - that is so helpful!! I can't believe that you are all volunteers as your reply is so quick!!

[Caradoc1a in reply to PurpleNails]

I have just read the link about timing of blood tests. I notice that it says to test after HRT changes. I have recently started taking minimum dose of transdermal HRT and had not thought that this would need to be part of the equation. I will inform the endo consultant. Thank you for that.

[Caradoc1a]

Thank you. I will have a chat with the consultant about testing for the actual hormone levels . He seems to be pretty approachable. Next blood tests and consultation are at the start of January. I have ENT tinnitus consultation booked for 5/11

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Caradoc1a]

There is a strong link between being hypo, especially if its undiagnosed for a while and vestibular/ hearing problems. Tinnitus, balance issues, hearing loss all seem to be more common in those of us who are hypo.

[Caradoc1a]

Thanks for getting back on this. It seems that I was only hypo for about 2-3 weeks before I took the 100mcg L Thyroxine. I had been regularly monitored after the Radioactive Iodine so it hadn't been going on for long.

What is strange is that the tinnitus occurred same time I felt ill from the L Thyroxine. When I was 12- 15 years old ( a long time ago!!) I used to faint quite a bit, especially in school assemblies, and I always had a high pitched hiss before I did. It is the same now but I'm not fainting. Weird.

[Sparklingsunshine in reply to Caradoc1a]

There's quite a few posts on hypo and tinnitus.