The Gut-Thyroid Axis

How IBS and the thyroid impact each other and your metabolism

Your gut and your thyroid have a two-way connection.

IBS and hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can affect each other and your metabolism through this gut–thyroid axis.

Your gut microbiome helps activate thyroid hormones, so a gut imbalance from IBS can affect thyroid function. The gut microbiome helps convert thyroid hormone (T4) into its active form (T3). When gut health is disrupted (as it is in IBS) this hormone conversion can be impaired. That affects your metabolism and energy levels.

And this relationship is a two way street.

Low thyroid function - hypothyroidism - slows digestion. This can cause constipation, bloating, and bacterial overgrowth.

Excess thyroid function - hyperthyroidism - speeds up gut motility and metabolism. This can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

People with both IBS and thyroid disorders can experience a pattern where each condition worsens the other. This leads to an ugly cycle of ongoing digestive problems, fatigue, and metabolic issues.

(Autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Graves' and Hashimoto's thyroiditis are also deeply tied to gut health.)

The takeaway?

Your gut health and thyroid health are closely connected. Problems in one area can affect the other.

And it might not be a bad idea to get your thyroid checked.

Learn more about IBS…

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XOXO
Heather

Heather Van Vorous
Over 40 years dealing with IBS
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