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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Liver and the thryroid
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Liver and the thryroid
by pepps, Mar 10, 2004 12:00AM
what effect can hypothroidism have on the liver? a recent blood test indicated that two of the tests for liver enzymes were slightly elevated, since my thyroid tests were slightly low I am wondering if this may be a connection
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 11, 2004 12:00AM
, Mar 11, 2004 12:00AM
The GI manifestations of hypothyroidism are the following:
* Constipation
* Decreased taste sensation.
* A modest weight gain due to decreased metabolic rate and accumulation of fluid (nonpitting edema) that is rich in glycosaminoglycans is a frequent finding. However, marked obesity is not characteristic of hypothyroidism.
* Ascites is a rare finding.
I am not aware of direct liver damage from hypothyroidism. However, several studies have shown that hypothyroidism can elevate the liver enzymes themselves without clear liver damage - the cause an reasons for this are unclear.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Bibliography:
Pratt. Approach to the patient with abnormal liver function tests. UptoDate, 2004.
* Constipation
* Decreased taste sensation.
* A modest weight gain due to decreased metabolic rate and accumulation of fluid (nonpitting edema) that is rich in glycosaminoglycans is a frequent finding. However, marked obesity is not characteristic of hypothyroidism.
* Ascites is a rare finding.
I am not aware of direct liver damage from hypothyroidism. However, several studies have shown that hypothyroidism can elevate the liver enzymes themselves without clear liver damage - the cause an reasons for this are unclear.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Bibliography:
Pratt. Approach to the patient with abnormal liver function tests. UptoDate, 2004.
