Constipation

[MCDW]

I was diagnosed as hypo a couple of months back after I went to docs with chronic constipation which had got considerably worse over the previous couple of months. I've just had levo dose increased, but constipation not improving yet (taking lactulose daily to manage). Other symptoms of thyroid disorder (which I'd previously put down to age etc are somewhat improved). Was wondering what others experience has been in regard to speed of resolution of constipation.

[Raventhorpe]

Hi alot of us seem to suffer with constipation and that seems for some of us to be an ongoing problem. According to my bloodtest results I'm on optimal dose of levo but still continue to suffer with constipation, what I have found that helps a bit for me is to take 1000mg of vit c daily. Sometimes symptoms can take a few months to right themselves and it's different for all of us so you really can't put a time frame on how long it will take for symptoms to go.

[silverfox7]

Welcome to the forum. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluIds as well. Patience is also something we need as well as things move slowly. Its good you can see improvement. And also good that your doctor as retested you, some don't or leave it much longer. You may also find that when you are optimally treated you still have lingering symptoms so be aware that symptoms can lag behind a little. I'm sure your doctor will have explained it takes 5-6 weeks to get each dose increase yonits maximum level and that's why it can feel forever to get up to the dose that is right for you so we. Ant speed that up.

If you look on the Thyroid Uk site who run this forum there USA lot of info you may fine useful and if you don't understand anything shout out and I'm sure some will advise. Nothing is too trivial, we have all been there.

[rustyspokes]

I've found that, in addition to helping with sleep, magnesium helps get things moving in the morning.

[Starfish123]

I like you have suffered with constipation and used to take lactulose every day. Then I had my gallbladder out and low and behold constipation has been rarer not everyday anymore. I do find the more cocodamol I have the more bunged up I become, are you taking any meds that could cause constipation? Other than that you could take a high dose of vit c, I believe it's 1 x1000mg, it's one tablet in water every hour and see how many you can take before you go open your bowels. I used to get to 10 or so but everyone is different, my son just looks at orange juice and is off to the toilet.

I hope you get some relief soon.

[NRos]

In my opinion you have food sensitivities. I also struggled with constipation for years until I discovered I had wheat, corn and glucose intolerance.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Your previous post says you are only on 25mcg. This is a starter dose. You should have had blood test 6-8 weeks after starting 25mcg. Do you have results from this test?

Highly likely you need an increase by now

All thyroid tests should be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. Don't take Levo in the 24hours before test, delay and take immediately after blood draw.

Always get printed copy of test results, including ranges. You need to know TSH, but more importantly FT4 and FT3 and also very important to know if you have high antibodies, which is autoimmune thyroid also called Hashimoto's

Very important to also get vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin levels tested - extremely common to be far too low, preventing thyroid hormones working in cells

Again always get printed copy of these results including ranges

Magnesium is great for constipation and also helps improve the way vitamin D works too.

vitamindcouncil.org/about-v...

Magnesium powder widely available, that mixes in warm water as drink, take in afternoon or evening at least 5-6 hours away from taking Levo

naturalvitality.com/natural...

[MCDW]

Thanks SlowDragon. I have had my dose increased to 50mcg after improved blood results, but doc agreed weren't good enough, and therefore increase. They will test again in 6-8 weeks. I do have slightly raised antibodies, but they said that didn't equate to Hashimoto's??

I've asked for my full results and will post in due course. I wasn't advised to have fasting bloods, and had also taken my thyroxine. (I did ask and was told by nurse that it wasn't necessary - but I know for future tests.)

I have been self medicating zinc, selenium, Vit D, B12 and folic acid in the evenings - so asking for them to be tested at this stage wouldn't give a true picture. Not quite sure what to do there ... stop taking them, and find out the truth, or carry on regardless ...

Will definitely try magnesium ... many thanks.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to MCDW]

When next test is due ask for vitamins to be checked too

Just don't take these day before test

The exception is any supplements with biotin in - most B complex

Biotin needs stoping 4-5 days before

endocrinenews.endocrine.org...

What was actual antibodies test result?

[Inana]

Yep. Constipation is just part of the loveliness of hypothyroidism. I take lots of magnesium citrate 300mg and 1500mg of Vitamin C per day. It usually keeps me fairly regular.

However, once I started on 25mcg of Levo 18 days ago, I also started being constipated again, and so I have been drinking a bit of Black Forrest Tea (laxative tea) every couple of days to help me along. I don't recommend this long term. It was a quick fix and an emergency. How I plan on sorting it out is by increasing my magnesium and vitamin c. They are super at solving this pesky problem.

[thyroidquest]

I have suffered extreme constipation for years until I was advised to take a large dose of magnesium before bed each night to help prevent migraines. I was told by the neurologist to take 600mcg but I prefer to take just 400mcg..I also take a high fibre fig 'sweet' by Ortis called 'Fruits & Fibres which were recommended by my health food store, together with a large glass of water..the results have changed my life!! Please try these tips and let us know how you get on - I'm sure they will help.

[MCDW in reply to thyroidquest]

Hi

Been taking magnesium every night for past 3 weeks. No improvement noticed ... in fact, may be slightly worse. Will now add in Vit C.

(Taking such a variety of vits and minerals I'm going to rattle.)

GP has now referred me to gastro to rule out anything more sinister. Also referred me to endo but BUPA seem reluctant to approve that one (they need sight of referral letter which I've yet to get before agreeing). Grrr

Yet to get full details of test results to date from GP. As she's been so good referring me, I didn't want to ask at last appointment. She did say my antibody level was around 450 (no idea of range) ... she wouldn't commit to saying it was Hashimotos??? Is this particularly high?

This feels like such a long haul ... And I only seem to be just off the starting blocks.

[Moiseym in reply to MCDW]

Hi, did you get this fixed? I suffer exactly as you describe above and this week my antibodies are 552 (range 0 - 115). My bowel appears to have completely stopped, like the muscles that push it along have given up. I feel shocking, haven't been for around 3 weeks and nothing I'm taking works. Colo rectal consultant prescribed Prucalopride and latterly Constella but neither of these work now either. I'm due to see a gastro at the end of May in London. I'm paying for this myself in desperation (no private medical insurance) as no-one is taking me seriously. Help!

[MCDW in reply to Moiseym]

Hi Moiseym

So sorry to hear that you’re struggling. Is your GP treating your thyroid issue appropriately? ... Others (more knowledgeable than me) on here will be able to advise if you post your blood tests (with ranges) on a separate post.

I wouldn’t say my constipation is sorted but it has improved. My thyroxine was increased and that has definitely improved the constipation (GP now wants to reduce a little - but that’s another story).

To manage the remaining constipation I now take 400mg of Magnesium Citrate each night, and that seems to do the trick for me. Thankfully I rarely now need to supplement with lactulose. If I’m forced to reduce the dose I’m pretty certain the constipation will get worse again.

Wishing you all the best and hope you get it under control soon.

[thyroidquest]

Sorry to hear it's not working. Are you taking mag citrate and is it more a high dose? Are you taking enough water (I take 2 mugs). Try the ortis fibre sweets too. Vert good luck!!!!

[MCDW in reply to thyroidquest]

Thanks thyroidquest. I've been taking MagCitra (Mag citrate 1900mg). Box says this is equivalent to "Elemental Magnesium" - 300mg. Looks as though an increase in dose might be beneficial (along with the Vit C). Will try some of the fibre sweets too. Want to be able to stop daily lactulose. Thanks again!!

[Clarrisa]

When all else fails don't forget tried & true prunes.