Can Synthroid cause digestive problems?

Marje

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition in which people do not produce sufficient levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Patients with hypothyroidism frequently become constipated, gain weight, lose hair, experience low energy levels and develop extreme sensitivity to cold temperatures. In severe cases, heart failure may occur. In addition to constipation, other gastrointestinal manifestations of hypothyroidism include bloating after meals and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both related to delayed emptying of the stomach.

Treatment of hypothyroidism involves Synthroid or a similar hormone-replacement drug. Doctors should occasionally check the blood level of TSH to gauge whether the dose of Synthroid is adequate. If patients receive too high a dose of Synthroid, they may develop side effects, including high blood pressure, confusion, a high heart rate and possibly even a heart attack. Digestive problems related to too much Synthroid include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and weight loss. These are effectively treated by reducing the medication dose. However, if Synthroid use is carefully monitored, there generally should not be any serious digestive side effects.