Advice: Hi I have had chronic constipation since... - Thyroid UK

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Blue02 profile image
13 Replies

Hi

I have had chronic constipation since I was little and its very frustrating.

I have very bad mood swings and have gained some weight despite eating fruit and vegetables and reasonable portions.

I have a poor short memory and can't remember what I was thinking a minute ago.

I have done some research and I think it might be hypothyroidism but I don't want to jump to conclusions since I've had blood tests and they come back negative.

I would really like some advice on what to do next.

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Blue02 profile image
Blue02
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13 Replies
greygoose profile image
greygoose

The next thing to do is post your results here, and let us see if they're 'negative'. :)

Blue02 profile image
Blue02 in reply to greygoose

They didn't give me any feedback on my blood test results and my mum said because of that I must assume that it is negative.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Blue02

Absolutely not! Never assume anything. And don't just wait until they give you feedback, because you could have a very long wait! Be proactive. Ring the receptionist and tell her that you would like a print-out of your results, which you will pick up at their convenience. In the UK, it is your legal right to have a copy, and if they refuse, they are breaking the law and you can take step to force them. But, most doctors would prefer you don't know. They don't like informed patients because it high-lights their incompetence.

Go and get your results. :)

Blue02 profile image
Blue02 in reply to greygoose

Thank you for your advice. I certainly will ring my GP.

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to Blue02

You're welcome. :)

Paula101 profile image
Paula101

Constipation can be so uncomfortable. I take magnesium glycinate everyday to keep it at bay (& it helps other hypo/Hashi symptoms) it keeps me regular. Brilliant stuff.

As greygoose says post your results and members can take a look and advise.

Blue02 profile image
Blue02 in reply to Paula101

Thank you for the advice.

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4, FT3 plus TPO and TG thyroid antibodies and also very important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have money off offers.

If antibodies are high this is Hashimoto's, (also known by medics here in UK more commonly as autoimmune thyroid disease).

About 90% of all hypothyroidism in Uk is due to Hashimoto's. Low vitamins are especially common with Hashimoto's. Food intolerances are very common too, especially gluten. So it's important to get TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested at least once .

Link about thyroid blood tests

thyroiduk.org/tuk/testing/t...

Link about antibodies and Hashimoto's

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_...

Blue02 profile image
Blue02 in reply to SlowDragon

The you for the advice.

teenarocks profile image
teenarocks

Hi Blue. I can identify with your problem with constipation. I think I was born constipated. Over the years I have tried many things. Some of them only made it worse. For a couple of years now I have been using this magnesium product.

naturalvitality.com/natural...

I take 2 teaspoons in a cup of hot water around 8 or 9 pm. It works better than anything I have ever tried. I will not live without it now! I wish you the best.

Blue02 profile image
Blue02 in reply to teenarocks

Than you for the advice

greenlover profile image
greenlover

I just had my first colonoscopy, Im 32. Ive dealt with chronic constipation for years. The scope showed nothing. But I took a transit test, just swallowed a pill, 2 xrays, before and after. Found out I have slow transit constipation. With this type of constipation there is a lax in signals from brain to gut to move the colon. Ive read it starts out in children, something happens at birth. I had no problems til around 18. It is an easy test, something you may want to try. Im still seeking medical attention to address it. For this type of constipation a lot of fiber can actually make it worse. I upped water, cut portions, and try to stay away from bulk. Hope you find your answer.

Marz profile image
Marz in reply to greenlover

Maybe your T3 level is low. The brain has the biggest demand for T3 and the gut the second highest. Perhaps a dose increase is needed. Happy to help ☺

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