Thyroxine and constipation?

[clairec43]

I had a sub-total thyroidectomy when I was 21, I am now 43.  I have only 10% left and so have to take thyroxine for life.  Apart from regular blood test which can result in my medication being changed I havent had many problems.  I am currently on 125mcg.  Recently I was diagnosed with pernicious anemia which Ive been told is another autoimmune disorder.  This was only discovered after Id had various tests for a stomach complaint which came back clear except for mild gastritis.

Ive been told by a family member that thyroxine can cause constipation,  Has anyone else heard of this?

[Barb135]

This is a very old thread and annamae26 has not participated in the forum in a very long time, so it's unlikely she will respond to your post.

As stated above, hypothyroidism causes the constipation, not the med.  Skipping your synthroid will only make matters worse.  It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for the medication to reach full potential in your blood, then it often takes time after that for your body to "get well" from not having had the hormones.  

You should talk to your doctor regarding supplements; however, up to 400 mg magnesium daily is considered safe.  When used for easing constipation, magnesium oxide works best; however, if you also want it to help ease muscle/joint aches/pains, and other symptoms, magnesium citrate is better absorbed.

You should also make sure you're eating foods with adequate fiber, but don't eat a lot of fiber close to when you take your synthroid, as the fiber can inhibit absorption of the med.  Also make sure you separate your synthroid from any supplements, by about 4 hours, because supplements, especially those containing calcium/magnesium can also inhibit absorption of the med.

You could try a daily probiotic and/or digestive enzymes, as well.

Adequate exercise also helps relieve constipation.

All of that said, you have to give the medication time to work and be consistent in taking it.  Be sure to take it as close to the same time every day; make sure you take it on an empty stomach and wait at least 30-60 minutes before eating anything.

[ednra05]

How much magnesium? I just started synthroid and I am "bound" to it with severe constipation. I hate the stuff and I decided to skip it today as I read from the RX that it has a 7 day shelf life. I have been taking 50mcg for two weeks, and thinking of cutting it in half. I am at wits end, drinking almost a gallon of water each day. As I type I am drinking hot lemon water. This is no way to live. I work and can't deal with this! Please help!!!

[clairec43]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes Ive just had 6 B12 injections over the last 2 weeks.  Cant say Ive noticed any great changes in my energy levels though!  Im due to have my levels checked on 8 April and theyll check my thyroid levels as well.  I'll post the results when I get them.

[annamae26]

i know everyone says that its the hypothyroidism and not the meds but i swear i never had constipation a day in my life and 48 hrs after i began synthroid i had the worst constipation in my life!  now i have learned to manage it with magnesium tablets and vitamin c every day and i don t have problems.

[Barb135]

It's not the thyroxine that causes the constipation, it's being hypothyroid.  I struggled with constipation of and on for years (I believe I went back and forth between hyper and hypo); and now that I've got my thyroid levels close to where I need them, I find that I no longer have to have the "daily help" using the bathroom.  I also take a daily enzyme which helps break down food better.

Are you taking vitamin B12 shots for your pernicious anemia?  I, too, have that and I self-inject every 2 weeks.  Makes a world of difference in my energy level.  

What are your latest thyroid levels?  Can you post them for us, so we might be able to comment more fully on your particular situation?  If you have the lab report, please post the sample results, along with the reference ranges, since these are lab specific.