Could thyroid disease cause constipation after gastric sleeve & bypass?

In this episode, we discuss how thyroid disease can contribute to constipation after gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. 

Is constipation a result of thyroid disease? Sounds strange, right? Let’s take a look at this gland and its functions as well as how gastric bypass constipation is related to its dysfunction.

First, What does your thyroid do?

It is the butterfly shaped gland that sets your entire metabolic rate. 

• Impacts weight & energy level
• Impacts memory & mood
• Involved in controlling cholesterol and female hormones

Second, Symptoms of thyroid disease

It is a condition that prevents it from producing the right hormone levels. It’s all about “how much” hormones your thyroid is producing.

If you have abnormal levels you may observe the following symptoms:

• Feel dull & depressed
• Tired
• Constipated
• Unexplained weight gain
• Dry skin
• Dry, thinning hair
• Hair loss
• Achy & tender joints and muscles
• Irregular or heavier periods
• Fertility problems
• Brain fog/impaired memory
• Sugar & carb cravings
• High cholesterol
• Puffy face
• Slowed heart rate
• Muscle weakness
• Cold intolerance

Third, Understanding thyroid hormone production 

The pituitary gland produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This hormone causes the thyroid gland to produce hormones. A healthy thyroid produces T3 & T4. 

You may be unable to produce normal levels of these hormones if you have some specific conditions such as high levels of stress.

If it isn’t working properly, you may have one of the following conditions:

• Hypothyroidism=decreased sluggish state leads to constipation
• Hyperthyroidism= increased hyperactive state leads to diarrhea or loose stools

It’s all about “how much” hormones it is producing.

Fourth, Whole body impact of stress

Stress affects all the body’s systems, including muscles, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, endocrine system, digestive system, nervous system, and reproductive system. Normally, our bodies can handle short-term stress with ease, but when stress becomes long-term or chronic, it can wreak havoc on your health. 

Fifth, Thyroid and high stress

Since stress affects so many different aspects of our lives, it is something we are all exposed to and struggle with. Thus, when we have high stress levels or times of high stress, our pituitary gland gets suppressed.  This can send some confusing signals to the brain that interferes with our TSH. And so you could have a normal TSH, but yet have poor conversion of T4 to T3, which is going to impact your levels and you could still have hypothyroidism.

Sixth, Lab tests to explore

There are a number of lab tests that may contribute to presenting a full panel to get better results. For instance, these lab tests include,  your T4, your T3, your free T4 free T3, your reverse, T3, and your antibodies. Those types of indicators give you the full picture. Because it is possible that some of those are not right, even if your TSH is.  

Seventh, Practitioners to consider

Endocrinologists or functional medicine doctors are the best practitioners to treat constipation related to endocrine disorders.

If you’re struggling with constipation…

Are you struggling with constipation after gastric sleeve & bypass surgery?  If so, uncovering the root cause is important. 

I’d love to work with you!  Check out my packages and schedule a time for a Free chat.

Your future health awaits…