Constipation and thyroid function may be more closely connected than you think. When someone suffers from constipation, the first recommendations are almost always the same: eat more fiber, drink more water, exercise, or take magnesium.
These suggestions can be helpful. But when constipation becomes chronic and persists despite everything you have tried, it is important to ask why your digestive system is still moving so slowly.
One possible factor that is often overlooked is thyroid function.
Constipation and Thyroid: What Is the Connection?
The connection between constipation and thyroid function is partly explained by the role thyroid hormones play in regulating metabolism.
The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck, but its influence extends throughout the body.
Thyroid hormones help regulate metabolism and many essential bodily functions. When thyroid activity slows down, many processes in the body can slow down as well.
The digestive tract is no exception.
The intestinal contractions that help move food and stool through the digestive tract may become less effective. As a result, transit time becomes longer and stools may become drier and more difficult to pass.
Constipation and Thyroid: What Other Symptoms Should You Look For?
When thyroid function is low, constipation may not be the only symptom.
Other signs may include:
- persistent fatigue or low energy;
- feeling unusually cold;
- dry skin;
- hair loss or brittle hair;
- difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain;
- a general feeling of physical or sometimes mental sluggishness.
Of course, experiencing constipation along with some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have hypothyroidism. However, it may be worth discussing your symptoms with your doctor and, when appropriate, having your thyroid function evaluated.
Constipation: Why Isn’t More Fiber Always the Answer?
This is something I see very often in my practice.
Someone is constipated, so they gradually increase their fiber intake: more vegetables, seeds, bran, or psyllium.
For some people, this works very well.
For others, the constipation persists and bloating may even get worse.
Why?
Because adding fiber does not necessarily address the reason the digestive system has slowed down in the first place.
Thyroid function is only one possible factor. Digestion is complex and can be influenced by many different aspects of our health.
This is why chronic constipation often requires a broader approach than simply asking:
“Am I eating enough fiber?”
Looking for What Is Contributing to Chronic Constipation
After 38 years in practice, one principle remains essential in my approach: don’t stop at the symptom.
When a digestive problem has persisted for months or years despite numerous attempts to improve it, we need to try to understand what may be contributing to it.
Thyroid function can be part of that investigation, particularly when other symptoms suggest that the metabolism may be slowing down.
Does your constipation persist despite everything you’ve already tried?
During a consultation, we can review your health history, symptoms, diet, and the different factors that may be contributing to your digestive problems, and develop a personalized approach.
Béatrice Levinson
Naturopath — 38 years of experience
Specialist in the gut-brain connection
