Constipation

[secondoneborn]

Is it ok to take a stool softener like MiraLAX with Synthoid?

[Barb135]

I don't understand.  Your sister does what same thing?

You might find a stool softener with "senna s", works good - I buy a generic at Walmart; now that my thyroid levels are finally getting where I need them, I don't need it much anymore.

Dry skin and fatigue are also classic symptoms of hypothyroidism.  If the medication you're taking is adequate, those symptoms should be alleviated.

You were just diagnosed? When?  And don't go back for blood work until July?  Wow - you need a different doctor.  You should be tested every 4-6 weeks for TSH, Free T3 and Free T4, until your levels are stable.  That's a long time to wait when you don't feel good.  I'm afraid your current doctor will keep you ill for a very long time.  I had a doctor who did that, too.

Have you had antibodies tested to see if you have Hashimoto's?

[secondoneborn]

Ok, my sister does the same thing. I am on the lowest dose since I was just diagnosed for it and I go back in July to test again to see if it's doing anything. I had a full lab done and that's how they found it. I had been suffering with constipation since January and just though my system was out of wack because of age (turning 40 in October)...then skin was beginning to dry out and I was tired. I had an excuse for all of it. NOW I know...I will get back with you on my progress and hopefully it will help other people. Your information is so helpful. All they tell you is "Take this and don't do that" but not much else. THANK YOU!

[Barb135]

Are you being tested for anything, other than TSH?  You need to be tested for the actual thyroid hormones, Free T3 and Free T4, as well, since those are the true indicators of thyroid function.

High fiber can inhibit the absorption of thyroid medications.

Do you have other symptoms of hypothyroidism? What dosage of synthyroid are you on?  How long have you been on it?  

Constipation is very common with hypothyroidism.  I sometimes have to take something to help, too, but not often, now that my thyroid levels are getting right, for me. I take my thyroid med in the morning, and stool softener (when needed) before bed.  

[secondoneborn]

Just slow thyroid. I guess people are supposed to be at a 4 or below and I am at a 9.7 (something). My thyroid is what was throwing my system off because I never had that problem before. I does say on the bottle not to mix with vitamins but not much else.

[Barb135]

What were you diagnosed with?  If you'll post your test results, with reference ranges, we might be able to help you further.

Most doctors won't tell you to separate thyroid med from other meds or vitamins/minerals....... I wonder if most of them even know!!  

[secondoneborn]

Thank you. I was just diagnosed this last Friday so I am very new to this.

[Barb135]

It should be okay, but you should ask your doctor to be certain.  Do make sure you separate all other meds, whether script or OTC from your synthroid by at least a couple of hours.  Vitamins/minerals should be separated by at least 4 hours, particularly, those containing calcium.