Very bad constipation

[Madmaggie]

On Synthroid. Even before treatment I never had constipation with hypo. But since increase in dosage has gotten very bad. Anyone else had this as a side effect of Synthroid?

[Newbee2000]

I've had constipation since my hashi hypo diagnosis, it's a hypo symptom. I don't know if the synthroid made it worse, but it hasn't helped it...yet. Did you just start taking synthroid, if you just started it might not be from the synthroid. Synthroid takes time (about 6 weeks) to get into your blood/system, and can take months to lower yout tsh to a point where you will notice a difference. Do you know if your Tsh may have increased, that can cause constipation. FYI, I had diarrhea on the generic levothyroxine (w/ headache, flushed skin, nausea). You might try a different brand of the med if you think the brand you're taking is causing the problem. Also, metamucil and lots of fiber and water help! Don't take metamucil close to time of synthroid.

[Madmaggie]

I don't know what kind of hypothyroidism I have! I guess that wuold be good to find out - just mildly underactive - TSH 3.6. But I have been on synthroid for about 3 months - one month at higher dose so this is a new symptom. As I said I never had it even without meds. Anyway thanks, I'm already taking fruit and water to help but its not doing a lot. I'm waiting on latest labs to come back and then I might switch meds or add cytomel or something. Can't go on with this level of constipation!

[drrowden]

I can only tell you that I had severe problems with constipation on Synthroid and did everything to help prevent it.  I even kept a log of everthing that went into my body to give to my doctor.  My regimen included 8 oz prune juice, 2 Tablespoons EV Olive Olive, one whole apple with peeling and 3 colace, water, fiber and exercise.  This seemed to do nothing.  I changed to Armour thyroid and was feeling better WITHIN HOURS!  Not even the medical profession was aware of this side effect.  Thank God for forums like these where we can get answers instead of living in misery. Good Luck!

[stella5349]

I found getting optimal with my thyroid meds - I take Armour thyroid and also a magnesium deficiency was my problem.

After figuring out all the right vits and minerals to get on with no thyroid function left I really feel good.