8 Tips to Relieve Hypothyroidism-Related Constipation

Hypothyroidism, or low levels of thyroid hormone, can have many effects on your health, including your bowel movements. Constipation, in fact, is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism, along with dry skin, sensitivity to cold, hair loss, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Constipation is defined by having three or fewer bowel movements a week, or by bowel movements that are painful and unproductive, according to the NIDDK. Relieving constipation starts by treating your hypothyroidism but also involves making a few key lifestyle changes.

The Link Between Hypothyroidism and Constipation

Having hypothyroidism means your thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to meet your body’s needs. Because these hormones play a role in helping manage your bodily processes, systems throughout your body might slow down when these levels are low, according to the NIDDK.

Digestion and passing stool are among the processes that can be affected by low thyroid hormone levels.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about both your hypothyroidism and your constipation to make sure you’re taking the best steps to manage both.

“There are multiple different causes of constipation, so not everyone who has constipation can attribute the constipation to hypothyroidism,” says Jacqueline Jonklaas, MD, an assistant professor of endocrinology and metabolism at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. “Other causes of constipation may include side effects of drugs, dehydration, blockages in the gastrointestinal system, problems in the nerves controlling the gastrointestinal system, and diabetes.”

Constipation can also become more common as you age, even with normal thyroid hormone levels, Dr. Jonklass adds. Still, she says, hypothyroidism can increase your risk of constipation.

How to Relieve Constipation           

You don’t have to accept constipation as part of your hypothyroidism. Strategies you can use to get relief include:

Treat hypothyroidism. “If someone with hypothyroidism has constipation, it should be treated by treating the underlying hypothyroidism,” Jonklaas says. Treatment for hypothyroidism typically involves taking a daily thyroid hormone replacement pill to help restore your thyroid hormone levels to normal. You’ll work with your doctor to find the correct dosage for you. If constipation continues after a few months of hypothyroidism treatment and lifestyle changes to combat constipation, then you might need to talk to a gastroenterologist about other causes, Jonklass notes.

Review your medications. The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) recommends talking to your doctor or pharmacist about all the over-the-counter and prescription medications and supplements you’re taking to find out whether one or more of them might be contributing to constipation. You might need to stop taking medications that contribute to constipation or switch to something else.

Drink more water. Making sure you’re adequately hydrated is part of addressing constipation, Jonklaas says. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. Getting enough fluids is particularly important if you’re going to be using fiber supplements.

Eat more fiber. According to the latest dietary guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS), women younger than 51 should get 25 to 28 grams of fiber daily in their diet, while men younger than 51 should aim for 31 to 34 grams. Eating more fiber-rich foods — such as fruits with skin on, vegetables, berries, beans, and whole grains — could help with constipation by adding bulk to stool, which helps it to pass more quickly through the intestines. Too much fiber, however, may interfere with the absorption of your thyroid replacement medication. Best advice? Talk to your doctor or a dietitian to develop a meal plan that works for you. Increase fiber in your diet gradually over several days or weeks until you reach your daily goal. While it’s best to get your fiber from food, fiber supplements, such as those containing psyllium seed husks, may also help manage constipation, according to the AGA.

Get more exercise. Increasing physical activity should be part of constipation management, according to a study review of constipation treatment strategies. Regular exercise helps keep stool moving through your colon. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, which is the national recommendation from the HHS.

Consider a laxative. You can get over-the-counter oral laxatives that are inexpensive and generally safe, such as milk of magnesia, according to the AGA. You can also try suppositories. If you’re not sure whether or how to use laxatives, talk to your doctor about what would be best in your situation.

Try bowel retraining. This is a strategy to help you gain control of your bowel movements. You might need to relearn your bathroom habits or establish a regular schedule for having a bowel movement. Avoid holding in a bowel movement when you need to produce one or straining to have a bowel movement when you do not feel the need to go. The NIDDK recommends talking to your doctor about techniques for bowel retraining to help your body have bowel movements at more regular times of the day.

Consider biofeedback. The AGA guidelines for constipation management say biofeedback — a type of therapy that can be used to help people learn to relax their pelvic floor muscles — can improve your bowel habits.

Constipation may be a common symptom of hypothyroidism, but it’s also one you can proactively manage, even as you and your doctor work on improving your thyroid hormone levels.