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The Thyroid-Gut Connection

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This article is part of a special report on Thyroid Disorders. To see the other articles in this series, click here.

Hippocrates said: “All disease begins in the gut.” 2,500 years later we’re just beginning to understand how right he was. And, as I’ll explain in this article, hypothyroidism is no exception. Poor gut health can suppress thyroid function and trigger Hashimoto’s disease, and low thyroid function can lead to an inflamed and leaky gut – as illustrated in the following diagram:

thyroidgut

The gut-thyroid-immune connection

Have you ever considered the fact that the contents of the gut are outside the body? The gut is a hollow tube that passes from the mouth to the anus. Anything that goes in the mouth and isn’t digested will pass right out the other end. This is, in fact, one of the most important functions of the gut: to prevent foreign substances from entering the body.

Another important function of the gut is to host 70% of the immune tissue in the body. This portion of the immune system is collectively referred to as GALT, or gut-associated lymphoid tissue. The GALT comprises several types of lymphoid tissues that store immune cells, such as T & B lymphocytes, that carry out attacks and produce antibodies against antigens, molecules recognized by the immune system as potential threats.

Problems occur when either of these protective functions of the gut are compromised. When the intestinal barrier becomes permeable (i.e. “leaky gut syndrome”), large protein molecules escape into the bloodstream. Since these proteins don’t belong outside of the gut, the body mounts an immune response and attacks them. Studies show that these attacks play a role in the development of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s.

We also know that thyroid hormones strongly influence the tight junctions in the stomach and small intestine. These tight junctions are closely associated areas of two cells whose membranes join together to form the impermeable barrier of the gut. T3 and T4 have been shown to protect gut mucosal lining from stress induced ulcer formation. In another study, endoscopic examination of gastric ulcers found low T3, low T4 and abnormal levels of reverse T3.

Likewise, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) both influence the development of the GALT. T4 prevents over-expression of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL), which in turn causes inflammation in the gut.

The gut-bacteria-thyroid connection

One little known role of the gut bacteria is to assist in converting inactive T4 into the active form of thyroid hormone, T3. About 20 percent of T4 is converted to T3 in the GI tract, in the forms of T3 sulfate (T3S) and triidothyroacetic acid (T3AC). The conversion of T3S and T3AC into active T3 requires an enzyme called intestinal sulfatase.

Where does intestinal sulfatase come from? You guessed it: healthy gut bacteria. Intestinal dysbiosis, an imbalance between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria in the gut, significantly reduces the conversion of T3S and T3AC to T3. This is one reason why people with poor gut function may have thyroid symptoms but normal lab results.

Inflammation in the gut also reduces T3 by raising cortisol. Cortisol decreases active T3 levels while increasing levels of inactive T3. 1

Studies have also shown that cell walls of intestinal bacteria, called lipopolysaccharides (LPS), negatively effect thyroid metabolism in several ways. LPS:

  • reduce thyroid hormone levels;
  • dull thyroid hormone receptor sites;
  • increase amounts of inactive T3;
  • decrease TSH; and
  • promote autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).

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Other gut-thyroid connections

Hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid, increases intestinal permeability, inflammation and infection (for more on this, see my series on acid reflux & GERD). Studies have shown a strong association between atrophic body gastritis, a condition related to hypochlorhydria, and autoimmune thyroid disease.

Constipation can impair hormone clearance and cause elevations in estrogen, which in turn raises thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) levels and decreases the amount of free thyroid hormones available to the body. On the other hand, low thyroid function slows transit time, causing constipation and increasing inflammation, infections and malabsorption.

Finally, a sluggish gall bladder interferes with proper liver detoxification and prevents hormones from being cleared from the body, and hypothyroidism impairs GB function by reducing bile flow.

Healing the gut-thyroid axis

All of these connections make it clear that you can’t have a healthy gut without a healthy thyroid, and you can’t have a healthy thyroid without a healthy gut. To restore proper function of the gut-thyroid axis, both must be addressed simultaneously.

Healing the gut is a huge topic that can’t be covered adequately in a few short sentences. But I will say this: the first step is always to figure out what’s causing the gut dysfunction. As we’ve reviewed in this article, low thyroid is one possible cause, but often hypochlorhydria, infections, dysbiosis, food intolerances (especially gluten), stress and other factors play an even more significant role. The second step is to address these factors and remove any potential triggers. The third step is to restore the integrity of the gut barrier. My preferred approach for this last step is the GAPS diet.

The influence of thyroid hormones on the gut is one of many reasons why I recommend that people with persistently high TSH and low T4 and T3 take replacement hormones. Low thyroid hormones make it difficult to heal the gut, and an inflamed and leaky gut contributes to just about every disease there is, including hypothyroidism. Fixing the gut is often the first – and most important – step I take with my patients.

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  1. Stockigt, JR and Baverman LE. Update on the Sick Euthyroid Syndrome. Diseases of the Thyroid. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 1997, pp.49-68
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138 Comments

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  1. Good read. But here is the problem I have. I have no thyroid due to cancer and they keep my TSH Levels extremely low so I don’t have a reoccurrence. I have begged every Endo and GI to look at a correlation and they don’t. So how would I proceed to treat for constant IBS-D & GERD?

    • I had my thyroid removed due to cancer in December. I am on 25mg cytomel 2x daily currently. I have been on this for almost 4 weeks and lately have been having stomach pains and constipation every now and then. Is this you as well? I have not gone to the doctor about this issue yet.

      • Do you not take T4? If not how do you feel on T3 alone? I had my thyroid removed 2.5 yrs ago due to Hashimotos and Graves. I don’t convert T4to T3 and have a slightly elevated Reverse T3 so I was thinking abt taking T3 only in order to flush out some of the RT3. Curious to know how how dosing is done on if taking T3 alone.

        • There is actually a formula T3:T4, read the book by Dr. Tennant, called Healing is Voltage and another really important book by Dr. Mark Starr “Hypothyroidism” the Epidemic. We all need this information. Really!

  2. I was wondering if anyone has ever has had gerd with hypothyroidism. I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism and never given and meds for it. I lived a life of chronic headaches,brain fog,insomnia body aches extreme neck pain on both sides of my back. My dr told me I had fibromyalgia and put me on gabapentin which did nothing for me. About 7 months ago of this year I had a chronic cough that lasted about 2 months until my dr gave me an inhaler. Followed by the asthma I began to have upper stomach pains and chronic acid reflex. I was put on tecta acid blocker pills. The pills did nothing and I found the only thing I could do was change the way I eat. No citrus,no milk,tomatoes,chocolate and fatty greasy foods,caffeine or alcohol
    . I have had this pain for about 6 months now and anytime i eat any of the mentioned above I suffer fro, awful acid reflex burning pain. I have read that thyroid disorders are linked to gerd. I have an appointment in January with my gastro specialist and he will take a look at my stomach and see what is going on. Two months after the chronic cough I began to have very bad throat pain. I felt a lump stuck in my throat followed by radiating sharp pain that went up and down my throat into my ear. I went to and Ent(ear nose throat specialist) and he said the thyroid looked fine and diagnosed me with globus hystericus which is caused by anxiety. I insisted my dr check my thyroid levels and of coarse they were low and she finally put me on Synthroid for the first time. I noticed a difference within a month of being on it. I was able to finally remember things the joint muscle pain and headaches were gone and my mood became more positive. This is my third month on Synthroid my t4 I sill low so they will be monitoring it from now on which is good. unfortunatley I still Have the pain and tightness Im my throat with the chronic acid reflex. I have made changes to my diet and I am hoping for the best. If anyone has experienced the throat pain /lump feeling with hypothyroidism and has any advice please let me know if there is anything i can do for it. Also if anyone has ever been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and gerd any information and advice would be appreciated. Thank you

    • Hi Trisha,
      Yes you and I share the same symptoms I am 36 with gerd and “with mild hypothyroidism and never given and meds for it. I lived a life of chronic headaches,brain fog,insomnia body aches extreme neck pain on both sides of my back.” I just thought I’d quote you since we match up perfectly. My headaches are migraine though which may be your case as well.

      I have learned some things that have helped me as I have attempted to self treat and stay off meds. For the Gerd I have completely eliminated oily foods and liquid dairy, which is hard to break down and added a cap full of apple cider vinegar a day to heighten acidity in my stomach and prevent reflux. This has worked so well for me that I can take a cap and then have a small bowl of ice cream now and be ok. But that is now that I have the condition under control. I wouldn’t recommend it starting out. My father is hypo and also gerd as well. Everything has been about diet.

      I have also eliminated the brain fog (my longest bout was 6months before I figured this out:( )after I identified It was caused by lipids. Eliminating many things from my diet, especially almonds, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, ect. Secondly, I realized that the hypo and malnutrition were causing the secondary symptoms as well. I was at 900 cal and have since increased to 1200 and take supplements now.

      Slow release iron, and for fatigue potassium iodine, taking 1000mcg is safe and it took away, (no kidding took away) the fatigue. I take it in the sprouts kelp tablet form. Also, 500mcg of magnesium which can help regulate blood sugar and break down insulin resistance that causes the weight issues. I always take probiotic and omega 3 too the two things that get to the source long term, gut health and brain health, and don’t take just any multi vit because many can cause worse brain fog.

      I and my father have both too had the lump in our throats and burning as well as Meniers type stuff with our ears. All I can say about that is it does go away as you take care, I almost think that too is related to iodine but I am not sure exactly how. Perhaps nodules? I don’t know. It seems those are secondary symptoms that have only showed up with me when my condition is really out of control. Just get to the root and the tree dies.

      Everything here I have researched and read about. For the both the constricted throat and hypo lump I have found stress is the worst thing. Though it’s controversial dr. Lam’s writings about adrenal fatigue really resounded with me as well.

      Usually doctors really are not versed in this. Especially the connections between adrenal, thyroid, serotonin levels, the immune and brain. There are so many treatments that overlap some of which I have mentioned. Treating with diet has been great for me.

      I have never posted on a site before but I do want to help you if I can. I hope some of this does. If only to let you know I was really, really bad for many years until I figured this stuff out and I have been basically clear of cronic gerd for 6years and the other symptoms for just under a year. Try not to stress. You can get through this.

      God bless! Anne

      • I am 69 & have nearly all these symptoms & been told my thyroid is low normal. I now have the thyroid nodule & diverticula in my throat. Yes, that’s right so this has gone on a long time, untreated – mostly cause I can’t get docotr’s attention on this possibility. I am healthy (though apparently not so much). I exercise, eat healthy & yet I have diverticulitis. This ain’t right. I’m making an appointment & tell her what I’ve read about you’ll. So thank you & I’ll get back with you all. PS I had a lump on my neck & this masseuse rubbed the heck out of my neck & that lump moved to my chest. After an ex ray, which hardened the fluid, a sonagram & a lecture from the radiologist to not eat rich food. (I eat small 3×5 cheesecake weekly & cut out the small order of clam chowder). Yeah, I’m insulted & frustrated with the cheap controlling mechanisms of nurses who dictate what tests doctors can do. Pray for better healthcare. I’m glad I found your remarks. Thanks, Paula

        • Guys, I did make it to my nurse practitioner & she offered to prescribe synthroid even though my numbers ar marginal, but I declined for two reasons: too easy to get medicine & 2nd no explanation how I ended up with diverticulitis, thyroid lump in esophagus (I think result of hard massage on my neck). I am not litigious, but I think these stomach issues are result of halving generic for ambiane (I no longer take) & then halving pravastatin. I don’t have germ, but experienced it recently after talking halved pills. So I stopped & now take a whole pill. My health is worth more than money. Odd pharm. & doctors allowed it without knowing the potential dangers. I’m choosing to continue to watch my diet & exercise, no caffeine & whatever else I learn. I just hope this isn’t a losing battle. P

      • I have just read Anne’s story and it has given me renewed hope. I have suffered with intermittent gerd for a number of years now. I have had all the usual tests… endoscopy, ultrasounds, colonoscopy, celiac test and no one has been able to say what causes it. I am having symptoms again now and it is terrible.
        Burning/sore stomach, with a feeling of soreness all the way up to my throat. I have low thyroid function, t4 of 10.6
        but gp says in the normal range (which starts at 9) so not on meds.I feel so awful that I get tearful and feel like I’m never going to get the problem sorted as I don’t know the cause. Due thyroid bloods this Friday, so will see if level still low. Your post Anne about a connection between thyroid and acid reflux has made me wonder whether a higher t4 would improve my symptoms. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for your post (most posts are years old) but I noticed yours was recent so thought I would add my own experiences on this occasion.
        It’s always good to hear other people’s experiences as it reminds me that I’m not alone!
        Marion

      • I am suffering from the exact same symptoms that you have for close to 3 months now and had my thyroid checked today and it was low. I would love to chat with you. I’m desperate for some answers. Thank you. Anne I would love to chat with you as well. Please contact me. Gretchen

      • just realized that my ringing in my ears has gone away. I started using himalayan pink salt exclusively 2 years ago, it has iodine and other trace minerals in it. bet that is what took it away.

    • I am suffering from the exact same symptoms that you have for close to 3 months now and had my thyroid checked today and it was low. I would love to chat with you. I’m desperate for some answers. Thank you, Gretchen

    • I know the exact pain in your throat and jaw. It is actually your esophagus spasming. Forget the MDs. Go to a holistic doctor. I took all the same pills and found out they just cause more problems.

  3. Hi all, 31yo M, 5’9 135lb. I was just diagnosed with hypothyroid by my ND. Low T3 (.6!), high LDL, low alkaline phosphatase, low HCT. What my ND told me is basically border-line anemic (but my iron levels are great) and need to take Cytomel. This is after a 10year battle trying to figure out my IBS, with IBS-A and constipation. The thing is I’ve been losing weight, have enormous stools (lots of undigested food), but otherwise feel fine. Stool tests also reveal complete lack of ANY good bacteria. So I’m wondering if Cytomel to fix thyroid is enough, or if I need to supplement with selenium, iodine, etc. Unlike typical hypothyroidism, I don’t have weight gain (in fact weight loss) but have mild coldness and mild brain fog/tired. This all started with trying to regulate digestion so I wasn’t spending 1.5hr in bathroom daily, and now it’s progressed to thyroid! Thoughts?

  4. Why would LPS decrease TSH? This would promote thyroid function, not inhibit it.

    • The hypothyroid actually leads to elivated LDL… it’s likely because the body is trying to hold on to cholesterol in an effort to produce the needed thyroid hormones

  5. I have have and autoimmune thyroid disease. I take 150 mcg. of Synthroid a T4 drug and 5 mcg. cytomel. Recently I stopped taking my cytomel a T3 drug and my stomach is no longer functioning. Why
    Thanks Mara

  6. Hi I am a Hypothyroid patient. I have too many problems like digestion, insomnia, feeling fatigue and so on.

    One of the doctors advised me to take lioynin tablets for some T4 and T3 conversion.

    Is there any body on this forum who has any idea about these tablets? Some doctors say not to take them and this particular doctor recommends me the same.

  7. If my thyroid level’s just tested normal, should I still take my thyroid medicine?My endocronologist said I do not need to, yet I have Rosacea and Ulcerative Colitis and read thyroid medicine helps these immune and gut issues. Please advise.

    • No matter if your thyroid levels read normal, there could be other underlying issues with your thyroid. It is a lifetime thing. It can be controlled but not cured. Keep taking your meds and maybe look for another Dr! That’s what i had to do very recently. Don’t stop taking them, ever!

    • I am curious if anyone is getting feedback from Chris…if there is a hidden response or something.
      I have Hashimotos and ulcerative colitis. I just got off a round of prednazone from a UC flare-up and am flaring up again, so back to prednazone and a new drug. I was just diagnosed with Hashimotos in January. I cannot help but wonder if its being untreated….(and finally doctor relented and is giving me 25 mcg Synthroid – he is convinced to wait another solid 3 months before considering raising it and also adding in the cytomel) is causing the flareup.

      But I don’t know…cause I have been positive I’ve had thyroid issues most of my adult life…so many symptoms…just no doctor willing to do the proper testing until recently.

      • By the way – is a good article – thank you. And, for my ulcerative colitis I am doing the GAPS diet again. It hasn’t had a chance to work yet…but in past I went for stretch several years with no flare – longest ever….so it has to be helpful for autoimmune illness.

      • This sounds odd but I just posted a mouse study to my facebook page about how vinegar might be helpful for UC.

  8. Hi Chris, i’m glad i stumbled across this post. It’s very informative. A little over a year ago I was diagnoised with Hashmoto’s and had a really tough time for a year. I had a Thyroidectomy in Nov. 2014 and have been hyperthyroid ever since. They are slowly lowering my synthroid and my T4 is down to 15 but my Antibodies have went even more high (TPO) they’re over 900. I’m on 88 mcg. of synthroid and am now having gallbladder trouble and getting ready to have it taken out. It has numerous stones in it. Could the Hashmotos and going without a thyroid have helped to contribute to the gallbladder problems and do you know why my Antibodies are running so hig? Could it be the gallbladder causing it as well. Thanks for your informative post.

    • How can you be hyperthyroid if you dont have a thyroid?

      Where is the overload of thyroid hormone coming from?

      • My endocrinologist said that it is different. When you have no thyroid, and you get into the hyperthyroid phase, that means that the medications have to be dropped in dosage. That is what has been happening to me. I have had a thyroidectomy back in 2016. I am now having acid reflux problems etc., but also have had weight loss surgery too.

  9. “The gut-bacteria-thyroid connection”
    Have you got any references? (to this part)

    • Was just looking at an online Pubmed article (book?) titled, “Autoimmunity to the Thyroid Gland” -NCBI bookshelf. It does discuss the proposed Yersinia connection and other factors none of which include gluten.

  10. It doesn’t make sense that Chris recommends the GAPS diet on this page for thyroid support, yet in a recent interview stated that many of his hormone troubled patients, who were on paleo diets (very similar to the GAPS diet) without success, heal their thyroid and other hormone problems by adding a decent quantity of safe starches back into their diet – abandoning the GAPS diet. So Chris, which is it?

    GAPS diet doesn’t allow starches. So the GAPS diet isn’t Chris’s latest recomendation, instead a very different diet is.

    GAPS and other severe paleo diets that do not allow starches cause problems in the long run, it’s becoming clear. Now if bloggers would edit their websites with their more recent opinions, PLEASE.

    • Look into the autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet. It does work and you can introduce foods back in once you know what foods are affecting your digestion.

  11. I stumbled on this article. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I since went off gluten, dairy, and soy and eat very little if any processed food (I do eat organic tortilla chips). I also began taking vsl3 probiotic supplement (2 capsules per day). I saw a big improvement but still had an enlarged thyroid. Recently I upped the amount of vsl3 to 4 capsules per day and noticed my thyroid shrinking which is what lead me to start researching the gut/thyroid connection. I am convinced now of the need to strictly address my gut health and am excited to realize I may be able to fully reverse this autoimmune thyroid disease! Thank you for your post

    • Would be great to be able to be in touch with someone by email who has such problems and has been doing something towards putting them right. I think I hve underactive thyroid and acid reflux, most of my symptoms fit with it. Have tried probiotics for a while but dont seem to be working and seem to be worse if anything. You can write to me at r y c h h m o at a o l dot c o m.

      • I have had thyroid issues since I was 21, had a goiter and removed half my thyroid by surgery. Was not on medication until I was 40 and gad to fight to go on synthroid with my dr. Did see a slight improvement but the only thing that really helped was diet. I started taking 3 capsules of cinnamon to help with inflammation and drinking at Keats 2 liters of lemon water to help with stomach acid. I also do not eat any bread or wheat. All of this has changed my life. Just a small tip if anyone wants to try something natural. Oh and no I repeat no caffeine. That was the hardest !

    • Really! I am interested to know how things have gone since then? I have multi-nodular goiter but my new Endo dropped my cytomel and greatly lowered my Levo down to 25 mcg from 75 mcg.
      I have dropped almost all dairy and dropped all grains which might account for this change in my meds or not.. Hypothyroid Mom claims cure but may be just long term remission on her site.

      • Goiter…needs iodine…Lugols is the liquid form..Iodorol…is tablet form…Google Dr David Brownstein..extensive research on Iodine and Thyroid…he has written books…has website…is both an M.D. and ND…you can get Lugols from jcrowsmarketplace…dot…com

  12. I tried GAPS, as I thought it sounded wonderful and I was convinced it would help me. It didn’t seem quite right for me and I am now on the SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet). I felt so good the first week or so. Now in my third week, am feeling tired, even when getting 7 or more hours of sleep. I am wondering if I need more carbs. than I am getting. When I took Dr. Mercola’s metabolic typing test, I was a ‘mixed type’, needing carbs., fats and proteins. Does anyone have any feedback?

    • I had my son on SCD for a couple of years. He experienced very low stamina and was not growing. When I put him on another diet, his energy level increased significantly and he started to grow. Now he has wonderful levels of energy. He is still gluten-free, but he clearly benefits immensely from consuming rice, quinoa and other grains, all of which he couldn’t eat on the SCD diet.

    • I do…and I am no expert in any way…just an experienced GAPS dieter. I am doing it now but am still having UC flares. I am wondering if its my recently diagnosed Hashimotos causing this flare…anyway…I did GAPS (very similar SCD) for years in past and it was quite successful – longest I’d ever been, in not having flare ups. I was stupid and got off of it. It worked for me….and put my ulcerative colitis in remission. A colonoscopy showed my colon the healthiest it had been in 25 years.

      I’m not pitching the GAPS diet…I realize there are other diets out there that work for different people. I just happen to believe in it – with one caveat perhaps testing to see if eggs and fermented dairy really OK with your body before introducing them.

      After tons of research I strongly believe all of these autoimmune diseases have one thing in common….its cause by a leaky gut. I think the gut must be sealed up before any healing can begin.

  13. Hi Chris,

    I find the following statements conflicting:

    “you can’t have a healthy gut without a healthy thyroid, and you can’t have a healthy thyroid without a healthy gut. To restore proper function of the gut-thyroid axis, both must be addressed simultaneously”

    “Fixing the gut is often the first – and most important – step I take with my patients.”

    You said, it’s important to restore both the gut and thyroid functionality simultaneously. But then at the end, you concluded that fixing the gut is the first thing to do. I want to know two things:

    1. GAPS is the best universal protocol for a compromised gut because it addresses and fixes the gut starting at the deepest root level known to mankind. Do we have a similar protocol for fixing a compromised thyroid?

    2. If thyroid and gut are screwing up each other in a round robin fashion, do we need to look for a parallel fixing strategy or a serial fixing strategy? My guess is we should go for a parallel strategy. Either way, could you please explain which strategy to chose and what does the strategy comprise of?

    • He did say that he would start the patient on thyroid hormones first so allowing the patient to concentrate on healing the gut. I would say that once the gut was healed.., then… The patient could go off the hormones.

  14. I’ve been suffering for years! Maybe you can point me in the right direction. I am 54. I have one quarter of one ovary and low estrogen. I’m through menopause. I’m taking generic thyroid medication for hypothyroidism prescribed by my PA. Since taking the thyroid meds, I’ve been suffering with “gut” pain on and off for several years. Have had two CT scans done at different times, nothing is found. Diagnosed with IBS/constipation and prescribed Amitiza to keep fluid in intestines and help constipation I was told. I am still suffering with bloating, belly tenderness, and stabbing gut pain on and off, comes and goes. The PA says my bloodwork “number” is good for thyroid. I also suffer from depression/anxiety and take 10 mg of Lexapro daily. No one seems to be able to help me. The “pain” is not in my head. Any advice would be appreciated.

    • Hey, I was in your same position. the problem here are your doctors. I never needed the lexapro although I took it along with the generic Tch treatment. problem is TCH levels tell you nothing. You should first read “stopthethyroidmadness.com” and then find a better doctor who will regulate all T levels. With hashimotos, I believe the T4 has a problem converting to T3 in your gut, so by taking more T4, you’re effectively doing nothing.

    • I have hypothyroidism and I can tell you from experience that every time my levels get out of wack, my stomach gives me fits. Acid reflux, constipation, pain in my left side, and especially bloating are the type of problems I have. You really need to see an endocrinologist. My PA was treating me and said my levels were normal every time we checked when, in fact, that wasn’t the case. I finally got in to see an endocrinologist and she informed me that my T3 was way too high and my T4 was way too low. Synthroid does not work for me. I was on a combination of Armour Thyroid and Synthroid (as prescribed by my PA). My endocrinologist said she would never prescribe those two medications together and took me off both. I’m now taking Tirosint and I’ve had no problems. My stomach issues have subsided and I feel “normal” again. From what I understand, Tirosint is just a purer form of Synthroid. Be careful taking generic meds because they are not the exact form of the medicine you are prescribed. I’ve lost 8 lbs. in 2 months and that, to me, says it all.

      • Aloha Sheryl, thanks for your comments, for the first time in a couple years it makes sense! I was placed on Armour Thyroid along with my Levothroxine and within 6 to 9 months I started having severe intestinal problems, unfortunately it wasn’t the only problem, I also had Angle Closure Glaucoma. But now I’m sure these 2 meds cannot be taken together, so Mahalo from the big Island.

    • Hello Pat,
      The Lexapro can really be causing a lot of your problems. It messes with your whole body hormone system(s) – all of them! You did not say if you started taking the Lexapro AFTER you started on the thyroid Rx, or BEFORE you started the thyroid Rx, or started BOTH about the same time. Lexapro, and drugs like it, cause a myriad of problems that the doctors don’t seem to know about, or don’t want to acknowledge. Don’t just Google “Lexapro side effects.” Instead, Google specific questions, such as “does Lexapro cause stomach pain” or “does Lexapro cause bloating,” etc. Weaning off the Lexapro (slowly) will help, while you work to repair your gut via diet.

      • I’m on meds for under active thyroid had bloods done or it as docisnt happy with my results I’ve got pain on right side of stomache when pain comes I’m sick it only happens at night time I get odd twinges in day but not every day the pain can ast u to 2 to 5 hours I’ve had ultra sound but when they did the scan they pressed the probe on my right side but I was in pain they told me they mite have to stop cause of me being in pain I worry constantly if its some thing more serious I hate hospitals I have panic attacks I’m scared help

  15. Hello All,
    To Chris
    I love all of your articles i’ve been reading through them. Quit vegetarianism,Quit gluten, plan on going paleo.
    I have a question i’ve been diagnosed with hashimotos or 7-8 months now. I’m treated on armour 30 mg my dr is slowly raising it because i have had heart issues in the past. Recently i’ve suspected adrenal fatigue as having a part in my misery. I have very slow heart rate low blood pressure, which seems to get better when i drink some salt water. I’ve started supplements on my own, ashwanganda and red panax. I’ve been on them for a week, and don’t notice too many side effects, but i’ve recently been reading that red panax can exacerbate an auto immune disease, is this true? My dr isn’t concerned about my periodic low blood pressure, shes a very nice person but she has very little experience with hashimotos. But there are times i feel my heart will stop and my son willbe without a mother, it’s frightening me and my family. I have an appointment in june with an endo which i’ve been waiting for since february, it just seems to be getting worse. Maybe you can give me some advice as to what i should be askingb my endo when i see her?
    Thank you for your time

    Wishing recovery good health and happiness to you all!
    Sarah

    • I’ve been suffering for years! Maybe you can point me in the right direction. I am 54. I have one quarter of one ovary and low estrogen. I’m through menopause. I’m taking generic thyroid medication for hypothyroidism prescribed by my PA. Since taking the thyroid meds, I’ve been suffering with “gut” pain on and off for several years. Have had two CT scans done at different times, nothing is found. Diagnosed with IBS/constipation and prescribed Amitiza to keep fluid in intestines and help constipation I was told. I am still suffering with bloating, belly tenderness, and stabbing gut pain on and off, comes and goes. The PA says my bloodwork “number” is good for thyroid. I also suffer from depression/anxiety and take 10 mg of Lexapro daily. No one seems to be able to help me. The “pain” is not in my head. Any advice would be appreciated.

      • Pat at your age your remaining partial ovary is not gonna make estrogen actually most women who have hysterectomies with intact ovaries find that they stop working altogether within a few months because the blood supply to the ovaries i is altreed during surgery. The Lexapro can cause gut problems as can ALL antidepressants. Get off it if you can in a gradual fashion and go see a hormone specialist for bio identicals.

  16. Since 2001 I have been experiencing Irritable Bowel Syndrome and before that in 1998 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, off the charts,and am a mother of 4 children, with 3 others sisters with similar problems. Two sisters were mothers and one sister never conceived. The two sisters who had children, both had thyroid problems as well as myself. My oldest sister has died, through many complications, my other sister has allergies as well as thyroid complications and leaky gut syndrome, and my older sister has fibromyalgia, and similar hypothyroid conditions, and I am IBS and hypothyroid on regular medication with issues of swelling of the knees and aches in the elbows and extreme weight gain. I just am at a loss that Dr.s haven~t been able to get us straightened out. I will look into the GAPS diet, because I want to help my sisters as well.

    • The problem with most of us is that we have candida over growth. Google candida and you may be shocked with all the diseases it can cause. If we get out gut healthy, most of these issues will go away. I have found a wonderful product from Plexus called Pro Bio 5 with 5 probiotics. They also have Bio Cleanse to help move the dead candida out of your system once the die off starts. These are all natural products. They have a full line of products to help with many issues you may have. If anyone is interested in finding out more, you can call me at: 731-607-0387. Or you can find me on facebook under Dorothy Balentine Kilburn. I will be glad to help anyone because, I know where you are coming from on these issues. These comments should have been below Darlene since her problems are a lot like mine.