Symptom 8. Constipation: The Overlooked Symptom
Constipation, defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, is a common but often overlooked symptom of Hashimoto’s disease. The slowdown in metabolic processes affects all body systems, including the digestive system.
When the body’s metabolic rate decreases, it can slow the action of the digestive tract, leading to constipation. This symptom can add to the discomfort and distress of individuals living with Hashimoto’s disease, affecting their quality of life.
Despite being a common symptom, constipation is often overlooked or attributed to dietary factors, lack of exercise, or medication side effects. However, if constipation persists despite dietary changes and increased physical activity, it’s worth investigating further, particularly if other symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are present.
As always, it’s crucial to note that constipation is a symptom that can be associated with a multitude of conditions or lifestyle factors. Therefore, although it could indicate Hashimoto’s disease, a thorough evaluation is necessary to establish the exact cause. (8)
