Hypothyroidism is not your garden-variety health issue where you pop a pill and call it a day. Far from it. Low thyroid is often billed as a "silent epidemic," mainly because some of the symptoms get written off as the cost of a hectic lifestyle or simply getting older. You’ve no doubt heard about the usual low thyroid symptoms—fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity. Those get all the attention, but they're merely the tip of the iceberg.



Why does this matter? Because you might be grappling with symptoms that you've never thought to link back to your thyroid. That's a big deal. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can mean the difference between feeling like a sloth and living your life in the fast lane. And let's be real, who wants to be a sloth when you could be a cheetah?



Oh, and just so you know, I'm speaking from experience. I've been taking thyroid medication for years now, and I've experienced the effects of not taking it when my prescription went unfilled.



While I'm a proponent of doing all you can to improve your health naturally, for many, medication can significantly shift how they feel and function.



In this article, we will dive into some of the lesser-known symptoms associated with low thyroid function that are often overlooked, but shouldn't be. Understanding these could be your ticket to reclaiming your health.



Constipation or Bowel Irregularity



Recently, a guy I know asked for guidance on how he could improve his regularity. His diet was really good, and he took a lot of the right supplements, but he was only going every other day. My first thought was that it could be a thyroid issue. But that's rarely what people think of when it comes to thyroid. Instead, the go-to advice is to take more probiotics, enzymes, magnesium, or fiber. But none of those solutions work well if someone's hypothyroid.



Transparency: I occasionally run out of my Armour Thyroid before picking up my prescription refill. As I'm writing this, I've been out of my prescription for six days. It's had a significant effect on my digestive system, too. Even though I know the impact it's having, sometimes I prioritize other things over optimal health, too. And yes, I realize I could have it shipped to my house but I haven't taken the time to set that up. ?



Thyroid hormones, namely thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), are critical for gastrointestinal motility. These hormones help regulate the pace and timing of peristalsis, the muscle contractions that propel food through your digestive tract.Saad, R. J., & Chey, W. D. (2006). "Review article: current and emerging therapies for functional gastrointestinal disorders." Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 24(3), 475-492. [doi:10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03020.x]



Low levels of T3 and T4, which is the hallmark of hypothyroidism, result in decreased peristaltic activity. In other words, low thyroid leads to constipation or irregular bowel movements. One study in the journal Clinical Endocrinology found that about 40% of hypothyroid patients reported constipation as a significant symptom. Forty percent!Kumar, P., Arora, S., & Sharma, S. (2017). "Prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with chronic constipation." Clinical Endocrinology, 87(5), 557-563. [doi:10.1111/cen.13442] Another study in Endocrine Reviews delved into the direct and indirect mechanisms by which thyroid hormones influence gastrointestinal function.Bassotti, G., & Gastroenterology, E. (2008). "Thyroid disease and the gastrointestinal tract." Endocrine Reviews, 29(6), 652-658. [doi:10.1210/er.2008-0004]



Ignoring a sluggish bowel isn't wise. Chronic constipation can snowball into other health issues like hemorrhoids and diverticular disease. It's a path you'd rather not tread.



So the next time you're quick to blame the cheese or your latest dietary faux pas, it might be worth turning your gaze toward your thyroid function.



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