6. Constipation: More Than Just a Digestive Issue
Constipation is a common complaint in the postpartum period. The physical stress of childbirth, combined with the changes in diet, hydration, and exercise, can often disrupt your regular bowel movements. However, if you’re dealing with persistent constipation that doesn’t seem to improve with dietary changes or over-the-counter treatments, it might be a symptom of postpartum thyroiditis.
Constipation related to postpartum thyroiditis isn’t your typical occasional digestive upset. It’s a consistent difficulty in passing stools, often accompanied by discomfort and bloating. This type of constipation doesn’t seem to have any direct link to your diet or hydration levels, which can often make it confusing and frustrating.
As with many of the symptoms outlined here, the root of constipation in postpartum thyroiditis lies in an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones are critical for a range of bodily functions, including digestion. When your body doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, it can slow down your digestive system, causing constipation. (6)
