About the same time I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, (about four weeks ago) my stomach started bloating. I have always had a flat tummy, but in just a few weeks, I look and feel like I am carrying around a bowling ball. Any comments or help? Very uncomfortable, and can't wear any of my pants.
Hi Cia!
I've had the same problem. I've had hypothyroidism since 2008 and yet starting this year I have been bloating like I'm 4-6 months pregnant. I'm single and it's awful hearing everyone saying I'm pregnant =__= I can't wear all my skirts anymore and I look like i'm carrying a baby when I'm wearing a dress. When I drink a glass of water, it becomes the biggest ever... I've also noticed that I've kinda developed constipation. I can poo everyday but just not much.
There's really no solution (based on what i've read so far). I'm not taking any levo or anything anymore too. I've tried soluting apple cider vinegar on hot water, fruit/vegetable juice, crunches/sit ups and more to no avail. I've talk with a doctor (IM) regarding my bloated stomach and constipation. He gave me simethicone 40 mg for the bloating. I've yet to try it tomorrow tho. Hope it works. It's starting to scare me.
With hypothroyid it slows your metabolism down and you gain weight very fast. Exercise, like walking, yoga and treadmill is good, but you have to be mindful of what you eat. I use to weigh 135 and I am 160 lbs now.
I am actually losing weight. My limbs are getting thinner and thinner. It is only my belly area that truly looks like a bowling ball. I can't even distract myself with anything that requires that I sit for more than a few minutes, as the bigger my belly gets, the more my lower back has started to spasm. I spend most of my days lying on my side, as being on my back is even more uncomfortable.
All this with insomnia is really hard to handle...I can't even escape into sleep.
I miss being able to spend time here on the anxiety forum where I feel I can help some people, but as I said, I have to watch that I don't sit for more than a few minutes at a time.
I am doing my best not to feel sorry for myself, but sometimes it's difficult to do.
I have a doctor's appointment in a couple of days, but I wanted to hear uf anyone else has this specific problem.
Thanks for responding, Shelia...much appreciated.
Its truly difficult, because when I was diagnosed, I started feeling really weird. My fingernails started breaking and my hair was falling out. Its really hard to deal with the symptoms that comes with hypothroyid.
Have you tried cutting out gluten? Helped with my IBS symptoms and might also help with the bloating
I actually asked for a gluten sensitivity test, and have absolutely no problem there. Thanks for the input, Sayhitocaz.
For the first three weeks, I cut out all grain....no difference.
It's still early days for you yet after being diagnosed and your meds will take some time to firstly kick in and take effect and also to get to the right levels. I looked like I was 7 months pregnant when first diagnosed as had severe bloating along with a long list of other symptoms. It's been about 2 years now since I was diagnosed . The bloating prob subsided after about 5/6 months. I still have the weight but majority of other symptoms are near enough under control provided I take my meds all the time. I went from 50mg to 175mg of levothyroxine. Good luck in your journey 😊
If you don't mind me asking, what meds did they put you on?
I have not been diagnosed yet, but am sure I have thyroid problems. I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor last December and this cause thyroid complications. The latest is that I have some type of growth around my thyroid but doctors always say we will watch it...watch what, my symptoms get worse. I have heard that thyroid problems can be difficult to diagnose as what is typically normal values some may not hold true for all. I also have the IBS and bloating. I think gluten adds to this problem and I will start to cut back.
i can't thank you enough for...hope!!!! I wasn't sure there was any, Cwhite. Thank you so very much for replying. There are actually tears of relief running doen my face. Just knowing there will be an end to this is the most amazing feeling of gratefulness I have ever experienced, you dear person.
I am now on 50 MGs of the same drug as you. I'll see if the doctor is going to increase it in a couple of days.
I have often been the one replying on the anxiety forum, and now know what people mean when they tell me that one of my replies gave them hope. Thank you again and many blessings to you.
My sister has been on thyroid meds for a few years. She just found out she is gluten sensitive, cut out all gluten, and says her life has changed for the better.
Just ask your doctor to test you for gluten sensitivity, Janice. it is a simple blood test, and the results come back quickly. Hugs to you.
I am on 50 MGs of Levothyroxine. It's been about three weeks.
I am not gluten sensitive. Any do and dont dietary advice?
Oh ok, they started me on 125 levothyroxine, it made my body ache all over, I couldn't do anything those first 2 weeks. I Pray that everything turns out ok for you.
Exactly...it's starting to scare me too.When they told me I would die of cancer (years ago) that didn't scare me. When I was told a couple of months ago that I had cirrhosis, that didn't scare me....this does because it totally inhibits my life, and is uncomfortable 24/7.
Water....more bloating, constipation, I do use a natural product to help that, and it does. It's a help to me to know I'm not alone in this, but Pinku, I'm so sorry you are living throught this, too...so very sorry. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Let me know if the bloating med helps. How long were you on the levo?
With clothes, I have had to cut the elastic on my pants to wear them, and the ones that button don't anymore. Even a size up doesn't button. Let's keep in touch and share if we find anything that helps Honey.
I had the same problem when I first started to gain weight I was 100 pounds and I had terrible distention in my belly I literally looked pregnant to the point I was sent for an upper gi turns out it was gastritis, which apparently is common after gallbladder surgery and hypothyroidism. My dr told me to try probiotics which does help I also use cascara sagrada if I become bound
I was prescribed 100 of levothyroxine, I had every symptom xs 10. I was so depressed but after taking it for 2 months the symptoms have subsided enough to wake up every day for about a week now (fingers crossed) I'll continue to feel better and better. Does anyone have problems with their menstrual cycle and getting pregnant?
Thanks joey. i so use a blend that includes cascara sagrada and it does help. Will try probiotics, also.
I'm at 50MGs, hoping doctor will increase it tomorrow. Thanks again, Joey.