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What Causes Fluctuation In Thyroid Levels Along With Constipation?
I am the mother of a 26 year old son who has Down s Syndrome. Over the last 6 weeks, he has lost 27 pounds and has eaten nothing but ice-cream for about 5 weeks. He complains that he can t eat. He was diagnosed with GERD at age 8. Also we have had difficulty regulating his TSH level since October. HIs Synthroid dosage has been reduced twice since then. Last week his blood work revealed that he was dehyrdrated, and there was something viral going on. He has been on antibiotics for an extremely red throat although he is running no fever. We ve also had a severe bout with constipation. I am at my wit s end because no one seems to know why my son is wasting away. He is non-verbal so he can t tell us where he hurts.
Thu, 14 Apr 2016
Hi and welcome to ehealthdesk
I'm Dr. Taimur and I will be addressing your health concerns.
I have read your question and understand your concern.
The thyroid hormone imbalance can very well explain your son's condition.
Hypothyroidism can lead to constipation and hyperthyroidism will lead to wasting and generalised weakness.
As the dose of synthyroid is not fixed and is changing frequently so when it's dose is high it causes hyperthyroidism and if it's dose is decreased it leads to hypothyroidism.
When the TSH levels are normalised and a dose of synthyroid is fixed then the weight loss and constipation will resolve.
Apart from thyroid dysfunction, weight loss and constipation are alarm signs for any Gastrointestinal tract malignancy. And apart from malignancy other pathologies like Intestinal tuberculosis, any malabsorption syndromes etc may lead to such symptoms.
My recommendation to you is to wait for the thyroid levels normalisation and see, if the response is good we stick to it, if not your son should be seen by an internist for proper examination and investigations.
Meanwhile you should give him healthy diet and add ispaghol husk 2 teaspoons in a glass of water three times a day.
I hope this might be of some help, if you have any query feel free to ask me any time.
Thanks.
Dr. Taimur
I'm Dr. Taimur and I will be addressing your health concerns.
I have read your question and understand your concern.
The thyroid hormone imbalance can very well explain your son's condition.
Hypothyroidism can lead to constipation and hyperthyroidism will lead to wasting and generalised weakness.
As the dose of synthyroid is not fixed and is changing frequently so when it's dose is high it causes hyperthyroidism and if it's dose is decreased it leads to hypothyroidism.
When the TSH levels are normalised and a dose of synthyroid is fixed then the weight loss and constipation will resolve.
Apart from thyroid dysfunction, weight loss and constipation are alarm signs for any Gastrointestinal tract malignancy. And apart from malignancy other pathologies like Intestinal tuberculosis, any malabsorption syndromes etc may lead to such symptoms.
My recommendation to you is to wait for the thyroid levels normalisation and see, if the response is good we stick to it, if not your son should be seen by an internist for proper examination and investigations.
Meanwhile you should give him healthy diet and add ispaghol husk 2 teaspoons in a glass of water three times a day.
I hope this might be of some help, if you have any query feel free to ask me any time.
Thanks.
Dr. Taimur
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