Constipation in Adults

Sometimes constipation is caused by an abnormality in the body's calcium or electrolyte balance, or it can be the result of low thyroid function. These problems can result in many other symptoms in addition to constipation. If you have several symptoms that are suggestive for an electrolyte or thyroid abnormality, then it will be important for you to have some blood tests to evaluate this possibility.

You may experience the following symptoms if you have a calcium or electrolyte imbalance or a thyroid problem:

• Fatigue

• Depression

• Difficulty staying warm

• Weight gain

• Coarse and dry skin

• Muscle cramps or muscle weakness

• Slowness of memory or thinking tasks

• Facial swelling, particularly around the eyes

• Coarse hair or hair loss

• A sensation of a lump in the throat

• A change in menstruation (lighter or heavier, or more or less frequent)

How may of these symptoms do you have?

Fewer than two.

Two or more.