Stomach problems related to hyperthyroidism?

[Mike85281]

I was first diagnosed with hyperthyroidism back in May 2004. I had a couple small nodules on one lobe of my thyroid. I was started on PTU (can't spell the full name LOL!) and responded very well to it. After a few months, the nodules had disappeared and my thyroid levels stabilized. In July of 2008 I was started on Amiodarone for my atrial fibrillation. Amiodarone has an iodine content to it and seems to have caused my thyroid levels to go up again. Since being started on Amiodarone, I've noticed my stomach slowly but steadily becoming more and more upset. I've had acid reflux for many years and take medication for that, but this is definitely a worsening of my stomach problems. My question is, can hyperthyroidism cause stomach upset like this? I get bloating, cramping, diarrhea, etc. Sometimes when I stand up, I get dizzy because my stomach tightens up. My doctor put me back on PTU this morning. I hope it helps. Any words of advice? Thanks.

[Mike85281]

Thanks for the information. I currently take Prilosec OTC which helps keep acid under control. My stomach problems worsened once I started on Amiodarone back in July 08. Maybe it's to blame. Hopefully the PTU I take now will calm my thyroid down. Thanks.

[medicmommy]

Amiodarone has quite a few side effects that may include calcium channel interference...this means, if your blood calcium levels are elevated, or your parathyroid (PTH) hormones are artificially stimulated by it, it can cause your cardiac sphincter (the upper valve between your stomach and esophagus) to not close properly (it "senses" acid levels improperly) and to let irritating gastric acids to splash upwards (reflux). Some people get relief by increasing their stomach acid by drinking a tablespoon of vinegar, others by taking an H2 blocker like Prevacid...Have your blood calcium levels checked to be sure this isn't the problem, because, if elevated, it can cause a myriad of problems like kidney stones, gut problems, ulcers, headaches, etc, etc...~MM