Does Synthroid Cause Bloating Or Swelling?
If you have any of these symptoms, it might be a perfect time to take proactive steps towards better thyroid health. Try eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of three big ones. Optimizing your thyroid levels with thyroid hormone replacement medication is usually the first step in minimizing symptoms.
For Providers
Tests used to check for this condition can include an Anti Parietal Cell Antibodies Test, Serum Gastrin Test, as well as tests for B12 and iron stores which can be very low with this condition. The first step you can take is to make sure your thyroid condition is optimally medicated. Whether you’re on T4-only meds like Levothyroxine or Synthroid, a T3 and T4 combo or NDT, you want to aim for optimal levels. Because of this, the absorption of nutrients is reduced (such as Vitamin D, B12, iron), which can lead on to low or deficient levels of certain vitamins too. In addition, using targeted probiotics may help with addressing the various microbial imbalances that contribute to SIBO, including H.
- Additionally, digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain can also occur.
- Additionally, hypothyroidism slows esophageal motility, prolonging the time food stays in the esophagus and stomach, which increases the likelihood of acid reflux.
- It is meant to replace a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
- When you already have one autoimmune disease (such as Hashimoto’s, which most people with hypothyroidism have), you are a lot more likely to develop another, including Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis.
Laxatives, such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax) or docusate (Colace), help to relieve constipation. One of the best ways to identify food triggers is to try a temporary elimination diet. With an elimination diet, you eliminate foods and then reintroduce them slowly to determine your specific dietary triggers. This process can be incredibly beneficial for people with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s.
Prescription Medications
Some experience more reflux when they are not eating enough, or often enough (smaller snacks may work better than fewer, large meals). Acid reflux may also be caused by poor gut health, which often goes hand in hand with thyroid disease. Dr. Jolene Brighten NMD, FABNE, is an internationally acclaimed hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the fem-tech community. Dr. Jolene Brighten, NMD, is a women’s hormone expert and prominent leader in women’s medicine.
- If you’ve been experiencing heartburn, I encourage you to meet with a Naturopathic Physician or Functional Medicine Practitioner to understand the root cause of your symptoms.
- If left untreated, GERD can cause inflammation of the esophagus (acid reflux esophagitis) and a medical condition called Barrett’s esophagus.
- The LES usually stays closed when you aren’t eating to help keep stomach contents inside your stomach.
- As a result, a diet high in FODMAPs can cause bloating and other GI symptoms.
You’ll need to partner with a professional to determine the best treatment to support your specific health needs. Ahead, we’ll look at why people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism experience bloating and ways to manage it. When you swallow, the LES relaxes, allowing food to move from your esophagus into your stomach. The LES usually stays closed when you aren’t eating to help keep stomach contents inside your stomach.
Hypothyroidism, characterized by an underactive thyroid gland, impacts bodily functions beyond its primary role in metabolism. In particular, the thyroid regulates the digestive process, including food movement through the digestive tract. So, while acid reflux involves stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, hypothyroidism may worsen this condition. The gut-thyroid connection is one of the most important and overlooked aspects of healthy thyroid function. Did you know that many diseases can be traced to a breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract? 99% of the neurotransmitters in your body are actually created in the intestine (part of your GI tract), and every brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter is found there.
Eating too quickly or drinking carbonated beverages can also contribute to these symptoms. Keeping a food diary and identifying trigger foods can help manage gas and bloating. Many thyroid patients complain of stomach acid issues, and while some will experience too much and others too little stomach acid, symptoms can be very similar, so it’s important to confirm which you are experiencing.
Food sensitivities such as gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and peanuts to name the top five, create inflammation and will also spike your blood sugar too much. It is important to note that gas and bloating can also be caused by certain foods or eating habits. Foods high in fiber, such as beans and vegetables, can cause gas and bloating in some individuals.
Low thyroid hormone levels may slow down esophageal motility, meaning it takes food longer to move into your stomach and digestive tract. Those with higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels had longer esophageal transit times than those with a normal TSH level, according to a 2017 study. Overall, while levothyroxine can cause digestive issues such as gas and bloating, there are strategies and prevention measures that can be taken to manage and reduce these symptoms. If you experience severe or persistent digestive issues, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. With the right management and lifestyle changes, living with thyroid disorders and digestive issues can be manageable.
It is important for individuals taking levothyroxine to stay hydrated and consume a diet high synthroid minoxidil in fiber to help alleviate constipation. While levothyroxine is generally well-tolerated, there can be some common side effects that individuals may experience. Additionally, digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain can also occur.