Hemorrhoids & Thyroid Disease

Hemorrhoids can be a very painful condition to suffer, often causing the anus to bleed. Hemorrhoids are caused by swollen veins in the anus. This can occur for a number of reasons. If you are experiencing hypothyroidism then it may cause the conditions that may lead to hemorrhoids.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland, located just below the larynx, produces the thyroid hormone, which regulates how the body uses energy and how quickly or slowly cells may grow and duplicate. The thyroid hormone is very important in the day to day functioning of the body. A lack of thyroid hormone, often due to lessened functioning of the thyroid gland, is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include a hoarse voice, puffy face and muscle cramps. Although hypothyroidism does not directly cause hemorrhoids, it can cause constipation, which may lead to hemorrhoids.

Constipation

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You are suffering constipation when you suffer a strained or difficult bowel movement that causes discomfort. Fewer than three bowel movements in a week also indicates constipation. While a diet low in fluid and fibers is the most common cause of constipation, a lack of thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism, can also make bowel movements difficult. Constipation usually occurs when the feces is hard and dry, making it difficult to pass. This can put pressure on the veins in the anus, causing hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoid veins are swollen veins in the anus. They can be painful, though they are not always so at first. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include itching, bright red blood on the feces and hard, tender lumps on the anus. Hemorrhoids caused by constipation can make defecation painful, causing the constipation to worsen.

Treatment

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The constipation that is caused by hypothyroidism and causes hemorrhoids cannot be treated 1. Instead, the cause and the effect of the constipation must be dealt with. Hypothyroidism can be treated by taking thyroid hormones to even out the level of the hormones in the body. As hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, it may not improve, and you may be on thyroid hormones for the rest of your life. There are many over-the-counter creams that are intended to reduce the pain and the itching of the hemorrhoids. This can help to make bowel movements easier, lessening constipation.

Considerations

Hypothyroidism, if left untreated, can lead to lowered body temperature, anemia and in extreme cases heart failure. For this reason, it is important to consult your doctor if you are suffering from constipation and hemorrhoids, especially if these are accompanied by other symptoms of thyroid problems 1.