What Causes Diarrhea While On Nature-Throid?

Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 7 Apr 2017 Answered on

Thu, 4 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been on 48.75 mg nature-throid for about 5 months and was having loose stools in the morning only but now they are runny and urgent and linger into the afternoons. I went off the meds 3 days ago and it continues. Is my dose too high? I'm due for labs soon and scheduled to see my endo dr. in mid May.

Before this I was on armour thyroid 30mg and before that levo.

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
About Nature thyroid dose;

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone carefully through your concern.
The diarrhea episodes you described can not be related to nature thyroid dose.
Yes, one of the manifestations of overdosage is diarrhea but usually happens in very large doses and is associated with other symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as; tachycardia, anxiety, insomnia, tremor ect.
So I would suggest to continue nature thyroid and see a physician who will confirm a gastroenteritis. Meanwhile try to drink plenty of fluids.
Check the TSH level to be sure that the nature thyroid dose is the right one.
Hope the information will help.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Mirjeta Guni (6 hours later)

Do you suggest after being off the nature thyroid for 4 days to start at the full dose or start at a lower dose and work my way back up?

I still suspect this medication because it usually starts within 30 minutes of taking it and is better in the afternoon and evening. What would be causing this time frame?

this has been going on for months- some days worse than others but no vomiting, not sick and on going like the stomach flu

Answered by Dr. Mirjeta Guni (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Check the TSH to exclude the overdosage:

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back,
Normally, each time you change the dose of the thyroid hormones, you should check the TSH level 6 weeks after, to be sure that the dose is the right one.
The nature thyroid has a long half life, and if the symptoms would be related to it, they would continue throughout the day.

Usually the clinical symptoms are not indicators to change the dose of hormone.
A TSH level would give an exact information regarding to the nature thyroid dose.
If it results normal, another cause should be found.
Best wishes,
Dr.Klodi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy