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Does Removing the Thyroid Cause Stomach Cramps & Gas?

Patients with thyroid problems may frequently experience stomach cramps and gas, especially after having the thyroid gland removed. Having all or part of your thyroid gland removed may not specifically cause these symptoms, but it can cause weight gain, constipation and muscle cramps, which can result in stomach cramps and gas (see Reference 1).

  1. TSH

    • Sometimes when the thyroid is only partially removed, or when microscopic pieces of the gland are left behind after the surgery, patients experience intense side effects. This is because the thyroid is what was making them sick in the first place. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a new procedure that uses a genetically engineered Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to destroy small amounts of thyroid tissue left behind after surgery may help ease side effects for some patients because it gets rid of the gland that was making them sick and then helps simulate normal thyroid function (see Reference 1). If you haven't had thyroid removal surgery yet, but are worried about side effects that may result in stomach cramps and gas, ask your doctor about TSH and the new procedure.

    Medication

    • Many times, side effects that cause stomach cramps and gas are not related to the thyroid removal surgery, but to medication. After thyroid removal, you will have to take thyroid hormone pills, probably for the rest of your life. Because several brands of pills are available that can be administered in all different doses, talk to your doctor if you're experiencing stomach cramps and gas, because these side effects are likely related to your medication. According to the Mayo Clinic (see Reference 3), a dose wrong for you will not regulate your metabolism properly, which can cause you to bloat, have gas, have stomach cramps, and other gastrointestinal side effects. Since you will probably need to visit your doctor every 6 to 12 months after your surgery anyway, if the side effects don't subside in time for your appointment, ask about having your medication brand or dosage changed.

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