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Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland, can lead to constipation in a few different ways, including:

• Slowing metabolism function
• Decreasing gastrointestinal motility
• Increasing the amount of water absorbed from food and waste

The thyroid plays a key role in the process of removing waste from the body. The lowered levels of thyroid hormone that occur in hypothyroidism can impact multiple vital stages that help efficiently break down and expel food and waste.

#1: By Slowing Metabolism

Hypothyroidism can cause constipation by slowing your metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes the thyroid gland to produce less of the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 are vital in the conversion of nutrients and oxygen to energy, and in how the energy is burned and used. 

When there is a decrease in thyroid hormones, the rate at which your body breaks down and converts food to energy slows down. The digestive system can become less efficient, and food may sit in your colon longer than usual, potentially leading to harder, more difficult stools.

#2: By Reducing Gut Motility

A study shows that hypothyroidism decreases gastroesophageal motility. An important step in removing waste from the body is the contraction and relaxation of the muscles in the digestive tract. This process helps move food through the body, eventually expelling waste through bowel movements.

The decline in hormone levels due to hypothyroidism can cause the intestinal villi to shorten and the intestinal wall to thicken, resulting in stiffer intestines and slower motility.

#3: By Inhibiting Water Absorption

Hypothyroidism can lead to food and waste taking longer to move through the body. 

Due to the slower movement, waste spends more time in the colon, the location that’s primarily responsible for absorbing water from digestible foods. The prolonged time in the colon can result in excessive water absorption, leading to constipation in the form of hard stools and painful bowel movements.

Treatments for constipation as a result of hypothyroidism can vary depending on the approach you’d like to take or what is suggested by your healthcare provider. 

A few treatment options include:

• Thyroid hormone replacement therapy
• The elimination of over-the-counter medications that contribute to constipation
• Adjusting your diet
• Exercising regularly
• Retraining your bowels
• Laxatives
  
  

If you are looking for hypothyroidism treatment in Brooklyn, contact HealthierU for a   nutrition consultation today. Dr. Sergi treats hypothyroidism through a natural and non-toxic lens, changing diet and lifestyle to achieve the results you need.

#1: Use Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy replaces the hormones of inactive thyroid glands. The regulation of the thyroid gland can lead to having healthy bowel movements again.

Hormone replacement options come in both synthetic forms, like levothyroxine, and natural forms, such as natural desiccated thyroid (NDT). NDT medications are derived from dried and powdered porcine thyroid glands. During a blind study of 70 patients with hypothyroidism, 49% of participants preferred the NDT over levothyroxine.

Options that offer a more natural approach include:

• Armour Thyroid
• NP Thyroid
• Adthyza Thyroid
• Nature-Throid
  
  

#2: Review Any Medications

Hypothyroidism may be the underlying cause of your constipation, but over-the-counter medicines, prescription medications, and supplements may be contributing to or worsening your symptoms. 

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) suggests asking your doctor or pharmacist whether the medications or supplements you are taking may be causing constipation. If so, you may need to stop taking the medication or find an alternative.

Fiber, fiber, fiber! Adding fiber-rich foods to your diet can help reduce the likelihood of constipation by improving stool density and softness. Be sure to consume the recommended amount for your body to utilize the benefits fiber offers to your digestive health.

The daily recommendation for  adequate fiber intake is as follows:

• 38 grams for men under 50
• 30 grams for men over 50
• 25 grams for women under 50
• 21 grams for women over 50
  
  

Foods to add to your diet to increase fiber intake include:

• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
  
  
• Vegetables
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Sweet Potato
• Leafy greens
  
  
• Beans, peas, and legumes
• Nuts and seeds
  
  

If you haven’t seen improvements in your bowel movements by adding dietary fiber to your diet, consider taking fiber supplements such as psyllium or methylcellulose. 

Along with eating more high-fiber foods, increasing your water intake, and avoiding processed foods such as sugars and refined starches can decrease the chances of constipation. Processed foods that are low in fiber may contain more refined sugars and fat, which take longer to digest, possibly leading to constipation. 

Many factors play into how much water an individual needs. It’s recommended that, on average, men need at least 15.5 cups of water a day, while women should drink at least 11.5 cups a day. Staying hydrated helps move waste more easily through the digestive tract, softens stool, and promotes regular bowel movements.

If you want to improve your diet but don’t know where to start, reach out to HealthierU to request a nutrition consultation today. Our custom-designed programs are tailored to your hypothyroidism dietary needs.



Physical activity can help engage the digestive system and promote bowel movements. A study shows that moderate to high levels of exercise significantly reduce the risk of constipation. Aerobic exercises can increase blood flow to the gut and stimulate bowel contractions to help move waste through the colon faster.

Exercises that may help people with hypothyroidism include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Dancing
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Strength training

Stress is known to cause bowel dysmotility as a result of the body’s stress response hormones. When the hormones cortisol and epinephrine are released, they divert blood and energy from the digestive system and direct it towards the heart and brain. The lack of blood flow slows down the intestines and may lead to constipation.

Stress-reducing methods might include:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Therapy
• Exercise
• Getting adequate sleep
  
  

Retraining your bowels may help regulate your bowel movements. 

Steps to achieve bowel retraining include:

1. Establish a consistent meal and bowel movement routine. Plan to attempt a bowel movement 20 to 40 minutes after you eat.
2. Sit comfortably and relax on the toilet for 10 to 15 minutes to see if you can pass a bowel movement.
3. Avoid straining as it can hinder the retraining process.
4. If you cannot successfully pass stool, stick to your schedule and try again.

Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) laxative can help soften stool and promote movement through the digestive system — finishing with a successful bowel movement.

Several types of OTC laxatives may help with constipation. Before choosing a laxative, talk with your doctor about which type to use.

Types of laxatives include:

• Bulking agents – Make stools bigger, which helps activate the colon to push the stool out
• Lubricants – Coat your colon to make it slippery and prevent water absorption, helping your stool stay soft
• Osmotic agents – Take water from your body and send it to your colon to soften your stool
• Stool softeners – Increase the water and fat in your stool, making it softer
• Stimulants – Stimulate the contraction and relaxation of the intestines, promoting the movement of stool so it can clear out faster