There are many reasons behind digestive issues and strange bowel movements, such as irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, where you could be constipated for part of the day and then end up having several bowel movements within a few hours. However, if you are dealing with odd bowel movements, whether you are struggling to go to the bathroom or you have consistent diarrhea, then you could end up having an issue with your thyroid.
What Is The Thyroid Responsible For In Your Body?
The thyroid is the butterfly-shaped organ on your neck; you can say it is your body’s furnace. Your thyroid regulates your metabolism. This organ is responsible for bodily functions such as circulation, breathing, and digestion. That is why if your thyroid is working too quickly, you could lose weight, and if your thyroid is not working well where it is too slow, it can manifest as weight gain. There are many other symptoms that can indicate whether or not you have a fast or slow-working thyroid. Let’s go over the signs to look for if you may have hypothyroidism, where your thyroid is too slow.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is working too slowly. Therefore, you will end up with weight gain, as that is the first sign that your thyroid is not working well. You may end up feeling overall that your body is slowing down, along with brittle nails and dry skin. And even though you may not think about your thyroid being tied to your stomach, it is as it controls a lot of the digestive system.
Therefore, if you have hypothyroidism, you may struggle with heartburn, bloating, and constipation. As mentioned, IBS and other bowel disorders can also cause those symptoms. However, if you are struggling with not being able to go to the bathroom enough among weight gain, feeling cold, being pale, fatigued, and having brittle hair and nails, then you may be struggling with hypothyroidism. You will want to talk to your doctor, and your doctor may refer you to an endocrinologist that can examine your thyroid further. There are treatments for the condition, which is why it is not the worst thing to happen, but it needs treatment for you to be healthy again. And another common thyroid condition that happens often is when the thyroid works too quickly, which is hyperthyroidism.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid is working too fast, and when it is overactive, it can speed up your bodily functions. You not only lose weight rapidly, but you are sweaty and hot all of the time, your heartbeat is fast, and you are anxious and agitated. And it would not be a surprise that you would also end up with diarrhea because your digestive system is working on overdrive.
Therefore, if you struggle with hyperthyroidism, you will also need to see your doctor to refer you to an endocrinologist who can examine it further to begin treatment. Hyperthyroidism is correctable, and you will want to ensure you take care of it because your system can go into shock if you leave it too long.
There are times when hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are autoimmune, where the immune system attacks your thyroid cells. Autoimmune hypothyroidism is known as Hashimoto’s disease, and autoimmune hyperthyroidism is known as Grave’s disease and both ailments will require you to take immunosuppressive drugs so that your immune system no longer attacks your thyroid cells to get it working properly again. Either way, you need to get yourself checked if you have strange bathroom experiences with your bowels or strange additional symptoms. You need a properly working thyroid to stay healthy.
