6. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction – The Slowdown Within
The digestive tract, like a conveyor belt, is designed to process nutrients efficiently and continuously. Yet, with Myxedema Coma, this system slows to a crawl. Thyroid hormones stimulate digestive secretions and peristalsis—the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the gut. When these hormones are deficient, patients can experience severe gastrointestinal dysfunction.
Constipation is a common complaint, sometimes severe enough to warrant medical attention. The patient’s abdomen may become distended, and discomfort can escalate to pain. This isn’t the occasional digestive upset that can be ignored; it is a chronic, debilitating condition that can significantly impact quality of life.
Appetite changes accompany the slowdown, often leading to unintentional weight gain or loss. Patients might find they have little to no appetite, yet their body retains weight due to the metabolic slowdown. Alternatively, they may feel an increase in appetite but find that eating exacerbates their digestive discomfort.
Addressing gastrointestinal symptoms is twofold. It involves managing the immediate discomfort with dietary adjustments and medications to stimulate digestion, while also correcting the thyroid hormone deficiency. The latter is crucial, as it will resolve not only the digestive issues but also the myriad of other symptoms associated with Myxedema Coma. (6)
