Snacks for PCOS

Constipation is a fairly common symptom among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

 In this article, we’ll discuss the relationship between PCOS and constipation, and how you can treat the root cause of both of these conditions with diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation.

There are a few factors which may explain why an individual may suffer from both constipation and PCOS. 

First of all, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a GI disorder that causes painful digestive symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, or a mixture of both. IBS is more common in women with PCOS, especially the IBS-constipation subtype (1).  Dysbiosis, or an imbalance of gut bacteria, may be to blame for the increased prevalence of constipation in women with PCOS. Dysbiosis occurs when you have too many bad bugs, too little good bugs, or not enough bacterial diversity. Women with PCOS are more likely to have dysbiosis of the gut than women without this condition (2).

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may also cause constipation in certain individuals. SIBO is a form of dysbiosis which occurs when too many bacteria end up in the small intestine. SIBO can cause hormonal imbalances, constipation, weight gain, acne, and more.

Finally, diet and lifestyle may also cause constipation. The standard American diet is rich in calories, inflammatory fats, and refined sugar while lacking in fiber, fruits, and vegetables. In fact, the average American only consumes about 14 grams of fiber per day—half of the daily reference value of at least 28 grams. This type of diet can cause dysbiosis and slow GI transit time.

Daily bowel movements are crucial to effectively remove waste byproducts through the stool for detoxification and optimal health.

Hypothyroidism, not PCOS, may be to blame for your constipation. Women with PCOS are three times more likely to suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroid disease than women without PCOS (3). Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune thyroid disease involving chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is also the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. 

In hypothyroidism, the movement of food through the GI tract is slowed, which is why many individuals with Hashimoto’s complain of constipation. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include brittle nails, thinning hair, cold intolerance, weight gain, and more. 

If you have PCOS and suffer from constipation, ask your doctor to rule out Hashimoto’s with a simple blood draw. More specifically, you will want to request a full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid peroxidase antibodies). A high TSH with or without a low free T4 first confirms the presence of hypothyroidism. The additional presence of high thyroid antibodies in your blood indicates Hashimoto’s.