Constipation w/ hypo - it is a symptom?

[Newbee2000]

I was diagnosed w/  hashimoto's hypothyroid  few months ago and since tha time have suffered from constipation.  My. Endo is still increasing synthroid dose, but the constipation hasn't impoved. Is it a hypo symptom? Will it improve when my thyroid  numbers are lower? I eat a healthy, fiber rich diet. But now I'm taking metamucil, which helps.  Is this problem a hypo symptom or something else to worry about?

[kipland]

I did read somewhere that constipation was one of the symptoms of hypo.  I guess it makes sense if everything else is "slow", that would be too!  I too eat a lot of fiber in my diet, but it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference.  What I have noticed is that if I don't get enough water, that can be big trouble.  Fresh fruit is good too - especially the ones with lots of water - like melons, etc.  Have you talked to your endo about it?  Maybe they would have some other suggestions.  I know it makes you feel pretty miserable.  Good luck!

[ChitChatNine]

I was finally DX'd as subclinical hypo .. it all fell into place after my surgery as my #'s rose and so did my CONSTIPATION SYMPTOMS that, btw, came out of the blue 2 yrs ago for no known reason(even had a colonoscopy bcz they were so concerned and it was normal except for tiny atypical polyp removed).  

Since on synthroid since my thyroid surgery my constipation has improved 50% .... so I think that does prove that there is a relationship.  and, my GI and endo both say YES it is a hypo symptom.

@ the time of my constipation they hadn't run thyroid panels .. so we'll never know .. but I bet my TSH was over 5.0 at the time ??

C~

[ChitChatNine]

.

[Craniac3]

I suffered too. I found an Indian herb (Triphala, found at health food store) to be helpful for first couple of weeks, but I didn't take but a third of the recommended daily dose. Not to get disgusting, but my problem was the muscles weren't moving things out quickly (peristalsis?), not that I wasn't eating enough fiber or drinking enough water. Muscle issues are part of hypo.

I haven't taken the triphala in over a week now, and my normal trigger foods (fruit, coffee, soft ice cream) are doing the job like they used to.

Good luck!

[scarlet37]

It certainly is a symptom. I suffered with severe constipation after my TT. I found that no matter what I ate or how much water I drank the only thing that helped was taking milk of magnesium every other nite. I used to go 2-3 days with no results when I used the metamucil and felt sooooooooooooooo bloated!!!! Also too the girls at work recommend smooth move tea & a piece of black licorice. My TSH is normal now after 6 1/2 mos. of hypo and the constipation is slowly resolving. Hang in there

  best wishes~

   teresa

[Newbee2000]

Thank you everyone. I really appreciate your posts!!!!!!   My tsh still is over 5. ( I think 5.6 a couple of few weeks ago at last blood test). After reading you responses the constipation makes more sense.
Thanks and good health to all of you!!

[she68]

i too have suffered with constipation all the time , i have used laxatives and herbal cleanses ect .some work for a while and then nothing , my boss gave me a herbal product  ( shulz's ? ) not sure , but if i take it every day i have had some relief.i was supposed to have a colonoscopy a few years ago , but chickend out !!