Is There a Link Between IBS, Hashimoto’s, and Hypothyroidism?

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If you’re living with Irritable bowel syndrome, known as IBS, you already know how unpredictable your body can feel—one day everything seems fine, and the next you’re bloated, cramping, and running to the bathroom. But what if those gut symptoms aren’t just IBS? What if your thyroid is part of the story?

More and more research shows a powerful connection between the gut and the thyroid—especially for people with Hashimoto’s, the autoimmune condition that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. In fact, people with Hashimoto’s are far more likely to struggle with IBS, chronic digestive discomfort, and food sensitivities. Why? Because when your thyroid slows down, your entire digestive system slows down with it. Motility drops, inflammation rises, and the gut becomes more vulnerable to imbalances like dysbiosis, SIBO, and leaky gut—all of which can intensify IBS symptoms.

And it works both ways: an inflamed, irritated gut can worsen autoimmune activity, potentially triggering thyroid flares and making your hypothyroidism symptoms harder to manage. It’s a frustrating cycle—a sluggish thyroid function worsens gut issues, and gut issues worsen thyroid symptoms.

The good news? Understanding this gut–thyroid connection is the first step toward real relief. When you support both systems together, you break the cycle—and that’s when many people start to experience meaningful improvements in energy, digestion, mood, and overall inflammation.

Let’s take a closer look at why IBS and Hashimoto’s so often collide—and what you can do to get both your gut and thyroid back on your side.

IBS is one of the most common yet misunderstood digestive conditions. It’s not a disease in the traditional sense. Instead, IBS is what doctors call a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning the digestive system looks normal on tests, but it doesn’t function normally. And when your gut isn’t working the way it should, it can disrupt everything from your comfort to your daily routine.

At its core, IBS is a chronic condition that affects how your gut moves, feels, and communicates with your brain -- known as the gut-brain axis. People with IBS often experience a mix of symptoms: abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, or, frustratingly, both. These symptoms tend to ebb and flow. Some days are perfectly manageable; other days, even a simple meal can trigger discomfort or a full-blown flare.

While IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to the gut or increase the risk of serious diseases, it can significantly impact quality of life. Meals may feel stressful, social events revolve around access to bathrooms, and unpredictable gastrointestinal symptoms can create anxiety or frustration. Many people also notice that hormones, certain foods, infections, or periods of intense stress can trigger symptoms or flares.

One of the most important things to understand is that IBS isn’t “all in your head.” While stress and emotions can definitely make symptoms worse, IBS is rooted in real physiological changes. Research shows that people with IBS often have a hypersensitive gut, meaning the nerves in the intestines send stronger-than-normal pain signals to the brain. The muscles of the digestive tract may contract too quickly or too slowly, leading to diarrhea or constipation. And the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive system—may be out of balance, affecting digestion, inflammation, and how you feel overall.

The good news? IBS is manageable, and many people see dramatic improvement with the right combination of strategies, including dietary adjustments, stress-reducing practices, gut-supporting supplements, targeted medications, and understanding personal triggers. Because IBS varies from person to person, treatment is rarely one-size-fits-all, but there is always a path toward feeling better. With awareness, personalized care, and the proper support, it’s absolutely possible to regain comfort, confidence, and control.

IBS is grouped into subtypes based on the predominant stool pattern, which helps guide testing and treatment decisions. These categories are defined in the Rome criteria and are widely used in both research and clinical practice.

IBS-D: diarrhea-predominant

In IBS-D, most bowel movements are loose or watery, and diarrhea is the main bowel pattern on “typical” days. People often report frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom, especially after meals, and may worry about being too far from a toilet because of sudden urges. Stools are usually classified as type 6 or 7 on the Bristol Stool Form Scale, meaning mushy or liquid, and constipation is rare or only occasional. ​

IBS-D is commonly linked with cramping that improves after a bowel movement, a sense that the bowels empty quickly, and symptoms that flare in response to stress or specific foods. Some studies suggest that people with IBS-D may show slightly different behavioral reactions—such as more avoidance of situations where a bathroom is not readily available—compared with other subtypes. Despite these differences, overall pain severity and psychological profiles (like anxiety or depression scores) are often similar to those of other IBS types.

IBS-C: constipation-predominant

In IBS-C, constipation is the dominant pattern, with hard, lumpy stools most of the time and infrequent bowel movements. Stools are typically Bristol types 1–2, and people may go only a few times per week, strain to pass stool, or feel like they are never fully empty even after a bowel movement. Diarrhea is uncommon in this group, and if it occurs, it tends to be brief rather than a regular pattern. ​

Bloating, abdominal fullness, and discomfort are especially common in IBS-C and can worsen as stool and gas build up. Research suggests that people with constipation-predominant or alternating patterns may experience higher levels of anxiety and depression and lower quality of life in some cohorts, although not all studies agree. Treatments often focus on improving stool consistency and motility, which can then reduce pain and bloating.

IBS-M: mixed type (diarrhea and constipation)

IBS-M describes people who regularly experience both loose/watery stools and hard/lumpy stools, with neither pattern clearly dominating over time. The bowel habit alternates, so a person may go through days or weeks of constipation followed by periods of frequent, loose stools, or even switch from one pattern to the other within the same week. On stool charts, these patients report a mix of Bristol types 1–2 and 6–7, rather than staying in one range.

Studies suggest IBS-M can carry features of both IBS-D and IBS-C: straining is common (like IBS-C), while urgency is also more frequent (like IBS-D), making the condition feel especially unpredictable. IBS-M has been associated in some research with higher rates of bloating, more anxiety, and more comorbid conditions such as reflux, which can complicate management. Because symptoms shift, treatment plans often need to be flexible and adjusted over time as the predominant pattern changes. ​

IBS-U: unclassified

IBS-U (unclassified) is used when a person clearly meets criteria for IBS—recurrent abdominal pain with related bowel changes—but their stool pattern does not consistently fit IBS-D, IBS-C, or IBS-M. For example, they may have mostly normal-looking stools with only occasional episodes of diarrhea or constipation, or their symptom pattern may be too variable or sparse to meet the percentage thresholds for the other subtypes. ​

This category recognizes that real-world IBS does not always slot neatly into textbook boxes, and that people can still experience significant pain, bloating, or discomfort even when stool form is often in the “normal” range. While less studied than the main three subtypes, IBS-U is included in Rome classifications to ensure patients are not overlooked and can still access appropriate evaluation and treatment. ​

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) shows up as a mix of abdominal pain and ongoing changes in bowel habits. Still, the exact symptom pattern can vary widely from one person to the next. IBS symptoms tend to flare and settle over time, and many people alternate between diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both alongside bloating and gas. Because the gut and brain are closely linked, even small changes in digestion can feel amplified and disruptive in daily life. ​

IBS is defined by recurrent abdominal pain that is usually related to bowel movements and accompanied by a change in how often you go or what your stool looks like. Many people notice that pain improves after a bowel movement, or that symptoms get worse when stools become very loose, very hard, or difficult to pass. Symptoms often flare after eating or during periods of stress and then ease for days or weeks before returning.

Cramping and abdominal pain

Cramping and abdominal pain are considered core, “must-have” symptoms for an IBS diagnosis. These sensations can range from dull, achy discomfort to sharp, stabbing spasms or a tight, twisting feeling, anywhere in the lower or mid abdomen. The pain is thought to come from abnormal muscle contractions in the intestines and heightened sensitivity of the gut’s nerve endings, so normal amounts of gas or movement can feel painful when they wouldn’t in someone without IBS. ​

Bloating, pressure, and visible distention

Bloating in IBS is more than feeling a bit “too full” after a big meal; it is a frequent, uncomfortable sensation of pressure, fullness, or swelling in the abdomen. Some people also notice visible distention, where the belly looks swollen or “puffed out,” sometimes worsening as the day goes on. This can be related to changes in gut motility, increased gas production, altered gut bacteria, and heightened sensitivity that make even small amounts of gas feel like a lot.

Gas and digestive noises

Excess gas (flatulence) and a feeling of trapped gas are very common symptoms in IBS and often go hand-in-hand with bloating and discomfort. People may notice frequent passing of gas, a sense that gas is stuck and won’t move, or loud gurgling and rumbling sounds from the intestines that are embarrassing or uncomfortable. These symptoms can be triggered or worsened by certain foods, shifts in gut bacteria, and slowed or sped-up intestinal transit. ​

Diarrhea, urgency, and loose stools

In diarrhea-predominant IBS (often called IBS-D), stools are frequently loose, watery, and more frequent than usual. Many people experience sudden urgency, especially after meals, and feel they need to know where the nearest bathroom is at all times. The intestines move contents too quickly, leaving less time for water to be absorbed, which contributes to loose stools and a sense of incomplete emptying even after going.

Constipation and difficult stool passage

Constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) involves infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, and straining to pass stool. People often describe going only a few times per week, needing to push or strain, or feeling like the bowels never quite empty, even after a bowel movement. This sluggish movement through the colon can worsen bloating, gas, and pain, and some people alternate between days of constipation and occasional looser stools as the backed-up contents finally move through.

Mixed and shifting bowel patterns

Many people do not fit neatly into “diarrhea” or “constipation” categories and instead have mixed IBS (IBS-M), where bouts of loose stools and constipation alternate. This unpredictable pattern can make planning daily life especially challenging, because a week of constipation may suddenly flip into several days of urgent diarrhea. Over time, symptom patterns can shift, so someone who once had mainly constipation may later notice more frequent loose stools, or vice versa.

Other common gut symptoms

Beyond the “big four” of pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, IBS can come with several additional digestive symptoms. These may include mucus in the stool, an intense sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement, and a feeling of being unusually full after normal-sized meals. Some people also report nausea, heartburn, or upper-abdominal discomfort during flares, especially when symptoms are triggered by specific foods or stress.

Day-to-day impact of IBS

Although IBS does not damage the intestines or increase the risk of cancer, the symptoms can significantly affect quality of life. Unpredictable pain, bloating, urgency, and bathroom needs can interfere with work, social plans, travel, and confidence, and may contribute to fatigue, anxiety, or low mood over time. Because symptoms overlap with many other digestive conditions, it is important for people with ongoing or changing symptoms to work with a clinician to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious causes. ​

IBS is not caused by one single thing; instead, it tends to develop in people who have a “perfect storm” of gut sensitivity, brain–gut miscommunication, and environmental triggers like food, stress, and infections. These factors don’t always cause IBS on their own, but they can flip symptoms “on” or make flares more frequent and intense once IBS is present.

Gut–brain communication and nerve sensitivity

IBS is considered a disorder of gut–brain interaction, meaning the nerves and signaling between the brain and digestive tract are extra sensitive or poorly coordinated. When this happens, normal stretching of the intestines from gas or stool can feel painful, and the muscles of the gut may contract too quickly (leading to diarrhea) or too slowly (leading to constipation). This “sensitized” system helps explain why stress, emotions, and even expectations can strongly influence symptoms in IBS. ​

Digestive infections and microbiome changes

A significant number of people develop IBS after a bout of gastroenteritis—food poisoning or stomach flu—which is known as post-infectious IBS. Infections can inflame the gut lining, alter the immune response, and disrupt the balance and location of gut bacteria, changes that may persist even after the acute illness has passed. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and broader shifts in the gut microbiota are also more common in IBS and can drive gas, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

Food triggers and eating patterns

Food does not “cause” IBS, but certain foods can reliably trigger or worsen symptoms in many people. Common culprits include high-FODMAP carbohydrates (such as certain fruits, wheat, dairy, legumes, and some sweeteners), fatty or fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks. Large meals, eating quickly, eating on the go, and frequent intake of processed foods or refined grains can also aggravate bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation in susceptible individuals. These patterns often require personalized detective work—food diaries, structured elimination, or low-FODMAP trials—to map out individual triggers.

Stress, mental health, and life experiences

Stress does not create IBS out of nowhere, but it is a powerful amplifier of symptoms once IBS exists. Many people notice that flares are worse during busy work periods, family conflict, lack of sleep, or significant life changes, and symptoms often improve when stress is better managed. Anxiety, depression, and a history of difficult or traumatic experiences—especially in childhood—are more common in people with IBS and appear to increase vulnerability by altering gut–brain signaling and pain perception.

Hormones, gender, and the menstrual cycle

IBS is more commonly diagnosed in women, and sex hormones are thought to influence gut motility and sensitivity. Many women report that IBS symptoms fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and often worsen around the time of a period. Use of estrogen therapy before or after menopause has also been linked to a higher risk of IBS, suggesting that hormonal shifts can act as a contributing factor in some people.

Medications and other lifestyle factors

Certain medications can trigger constipation or diarrhea and, therefore, aggravate IBS symptoms. These include some antibiotics, pain medications, antacids, antidepressants, and medicines containing sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol, which can draw water into the gut and cause gas or loose stools. Lack of physical activity, poor sleep, and habits like chewing gum or frequent use of carbonated drinks can also contribute to increased gas, bloating, and irregular bowel habits in people with IBS. ​

Genetics, early life events, and vulnerability

Not everyone exposed to infections, stress, or trigger foods develops IBS, which suggests that individual vulnerability matters. Having a family history of IBS, certain genetic factors, and early-life stress or trauma all appear to increase the likelihood of developing IBS later on. Together, these influences shape how sensitive the gut becomes, how the nervous system responds, and how strongly triggers such as stress or diet can drive symptoms.

IBS is sometimes confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While IBS and IBD share some similar symptoms, they are fundamentally different conditions affecting the gut in very different ways. IBS is a functional disorder that affects how the bowel works, while IBD is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease that damages the bowel itself and can lead to serious complications.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for autoimmune conditions that cause chronic inflammation and injury in the digestive tract, mainly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In IBD, the immune system mistakenly attacks the gut, leading to visible inflammation, ulcers, and tissue damage that doctors can see on endoscopy, imaging, and biopsies—making it a “structural” disease rather than a purely functional one. This ongoing inflammation can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, weight loss, fatigue, and can affect other parts of the body, such as the joints, skin, and eyes​.

A key difference is what happens to the bowel over time. IBS does not cause changes in bowel tissue, does not lead to bleeding, strictures, or fistulas, and does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer. IBD, on the other hand, can progressively damage the intestinal lining, leading to complications like strictures, abscesses, fistulas, malnutrition, and a higher risk of colorectal cancer if inflammation is not well controlled. Because of this, IBD usually requires close medical monitoring and long-term strategies to calm the immune system and protect the gut.

Both IBS and IBD can cause abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and changes in bowel frequency, which is why they are so often confused. However, “red flag” features like rectal bleeding, black or bloody stools, fever, unexplained weight loss, persistent anemia, or symptoms that wake you up at night are more typical of IBD and warrant urgent evaluation for inflammatory disease. IBS is more likely to involve mucus in the stool, a strong feeling of incomplete emptying, and symptom flares tied to stress or certain foods, without the systemic signs of illness seen in IBD.

With IBS, routine blood tests, stool tests, and colonoscopy are usually normal, and the diagnosis is based on symptom patterns (such as the Rome criteria) and ruling out other conditions. Treatment for IBS focuses on symptom relief and trigger management—adjusting diet, managing stress, targeting gut motility, and sometimes using medications for pain, diarrhea, or constipation. In IBD, diagnosis relies on demonstrating inflammation and tissue changes with blood and stool markers, endoscopy, biopsies, and imaging, and treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulating therapies, or biologic medications to control the autoimmune process and prevent long-term damage. 

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks healthy thyroid cells. Unlike hypothyroidism, there is nothing wrong with the thyroid gland itself, but the problem lies within the immune system. Nonetheless, when the immune system continually attacks the thyroid, it leads to chronic inflammation and eventually permanent damage to thyroid-producing cells. Therefore, Hashimoto’s leads to an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. And in developed countries, it is the number one cause of hypothyroidism.

Like other autoimmune conditions, Hashimoto’s is thought to stem from problems in the gut. One theory behind many autoimmune disorders is that tight junctions between the mucosal cells lining the intestines may allow toxins to leak into the bloodstream. Known as the leaky gut theory, this process may be why the immune system becomes overactive and begins to attack healthy cells, leading to health issues.

Digestive problems are incredibly common in people with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, and many of the symptoms can look a lot like IBS—bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or constipation. At the same time, IBS itself is very common in the general population, so these conditions often overlap in ways that are frustrating for patients and tricky for clinicians to untangle fully.

Why thyroid issues affect the gut

Thyroid hormones help regulate how quickly food moves through the digestive tract, how much stomach acid and digestive enzymes you produce, and how well the gut muscles coordinate their contractions. When thyroid hormone levels are low—as in hypothyroidism from Hashimoto’s—the whole system can slow down, leading to constipation, bloating, a feeling of fullness, and general digestive discomfort. Some people with autoimmune thyroid disease also report upper-GI symptoms like reflux, indigestion, or nausea, reflecting that the entire gut, from esophagus to colon, can be affected.

Hashimoto’s itself is an autoimmune condition, and chronic immune activation and inflammation may influence the gut’s nervous system and barrier function. This can contribute to heightened gut sensitivity and altered motility—two key features also seen in IBS. As a result, people with Hashimoto’s may be more likely to notice pain, cramping, and irregular bowel habits even when standard tests come back “normal,” which is typical of IBS.

Overlapping symptoms with IBS

IBS is defined by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits, without visible structural damage on tests. Many patients with Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism describe classic IBS-type symptoms such as bloating, gas, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and cramping that improves after a bowel movement. These patterns make IBS a common co-diagnosis in people already being treated for thyroid disease, especially when their thyroid labs look controlled, but gut symptoms persist.

However, current evidence does not clearly show that having Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism directly causes IBS, or that IBS independently increases the risk of thyroid disease. Instead, researchers describe a significant overlap and shared mechanisms—like altered motility, microbiome changes, low-grade inflammation, and stress—rather than a proven one-way cause-and-effect relationship. That means a person can have IBS alone, thyroid disease alone, or both at the same time, and each piece may need its own targeted management.

The SIBO connection

One of the clearest links between hypothyroidism and gut symptoms is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), in which excessive bacteria accumulate in the small intestine and interfere with digestion and absorption. SIBO commonly causes bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation—symptoms that mirror both IBS and the digestive complaints of hypothyroidism. In fact, SIBO is frequently found in people who carry an IBS diagnosis, and some IBS patients improve when SIBO is treated.

Research suggests SIBO may be present in over 50% of patients with hypothyroidism (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). More recent cohort data also show that people with hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis have roughly double the risk of developing SIBO compared with matched controls. The likely reason is slowed intestinal motility in hypothyroidism: when the gut moves more slowly, contents stagnate, giving bacteria extra time to multiply in the small intestine.

How Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, IBS, and SIBO intersect

Putting this together, several layers of connection emerge:

• Thyroid hormones influence gut motility and function, so low thyroid levels can slow transit and promote constipation, bloating, and discomfort that resemble or worsen IBS symptoms.
• Slower motility in hypothyroidism increases the risk of SIBO, which adds more gas, bloating, and irregular stool patterns—again overlapping heavily with IBS. ​
• Autoimmune activity in Hashimoto’s, along with SIBO-related intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), may contribute to systemic inflammation and altered gut–brain signaling, amplifying pain and sensitivity typical of IBS. ​
• IBS itself is associated with changes in gut motility and microbiome composition, so people who already have IBS may be especially vulnerable to symptoms if thyroid function becomes suboptimal, and vice versa.

Despite this web of shared mechanisms, there is still no definitive proof that thyroid disease directly causes IBS, or that treating the thyroid alone will reliably cure IBS in most people. Instead, the relationship appears to be bidirectional and multifactorial, with gut health influencing thyroid function and thyroid status influencing gut health. ​

What this means for you

For someone living with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism who also has IBS-like symptoms, both the thyroid and the gut must be evaluated rather than assuming all symptoms come from one or the other. This may include checking that thyroid levels are truly optimized (not just “in range”), screening for SIBO when symptoms suggest it, and using IBS-focused strategies such as dietary modifications, stress management, and targeted gut therapies.

More research is still needed to fully understand why gastrointestinal issues are so common in people with autoimmune thyroid disease and how best to treat the two conditions together. For now, recognizing the overlap—and the role of SIBO and motility—helps validate patients’ experiences and supports a more comprehensive, whole-system approach to care.

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Managing IBS alongside Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism can feel challenging, but treating one condition often positively influences the others, supporting overall digestive and metabolic health.

Take your thyroid medication consistently

For people with Hashimoto’s, thyroid hormone replacement medication is essential to maintain normal metabolism and organ function, including healthy gut motility. Optimizing your thyroid levels with the right medication dose helps prevent symptoms like constipation, fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, while also reducing digestive issues linked to slow transit, such as SIBO and bloating. Consistent medication adherence is key to keeping symptoms manageable and supporting overall gut health.

Regular thyroid function testing

Because thyroid hormones can fluctuate, especially in autoimmune thyroid disease, regular testing is crucial to ensure your dose remains appropriate. A complete thyroid function test panel typically includes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (free T4), free triiodothyronine (free T3), reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies such as thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies to help monitor disease activity and treatment effectiveness. Tracking symptoms alongside lab results helps your provider tailor therapy to achieve optimal thyroid and gut function. ​

Nourish your gut microbiome

Feeding your gut’s beneficial bacteria supports a balanced microbiome, which is vital for both IBS symptom control and immune regulation in Hashimoto’s. A fiber-rich diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains, provides prebiotic fuel for healthy bacteria. Conversely, reducing intake of sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods can help prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria and lower gut inflammation.

Identify and avoid food triggers

Since both IBS and Hashimoto’s patients often have sensitivities, it’s helpful to find and avoid foods that trigger symptoms. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is common and may worsen fatigue and digestive issues, so gluten avoidance benefits many. Lactose intolerance is also frequent; avoiding dairy can reduce bloating and diarrhea. Keeping a food diary or working with a dietitian can help identify personal triggers. ​

Stay well hydrated

Adequate water intake helps flush toxins, supports digestion, and prevents constipation—critical when thyroid-related motility issues or IBS are present. Many people unintentionally replace water with caffeinated or sugary beverages, which can worsen dehydration and gut discomfort. Carrying a water bottle and sipping throughout the day helps maintain hydration and digestive wellbeing.

Additional strategies to consider

• Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or therapy may reduce IBS symptom flares by calming the gut–brain axis, which can also benefit autoimmune disease control.
• Regular physical activity stimulates bowel motility and supports metabolic health, benefiting both IBS and hypothyroidism. ​
• When SIBO is suspected, breath testing and treatment with antibiotics or herbal therapies may relieve symptoms and improve thyroid and IBS outcomes.
• Avoiding medications known to slow gut motility or irritate the bowel can help prevent worsening of symptoms.

Together, these approaches create a comprehensive plan addressing digestive symptoms while supporting thyroid health, helping people with IBS, Hashimoto’s, and hypothyroidism lead more comfortable, manageable lives. ​

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At Paloma Health, we understand that thyroid gland health and gut health are deeply connected, especially for people navigating complex conditions like Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, and IBS. That’s why we offer integrated care, including our comprehensive gut health program alongside personalized hypothroidism and hormonal health treatments. Our team doesn’t just focus on lab numbers—we take a whole-person approach, tailoring care to your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.

With Paloma, you get access to expert guidance on managing IBS triggers through diet, stress reduction, gut microbiome support, and, when needed, targeted testing and treatment for issues like SIBO. Our programs are designed to work in harmony with your thyroid testing, hypothyroidism treatment, and menopause care to optimize digestion, reduce flares, and improve overall quality of life. We provide regular monitoring and education, so you feel empowered every step of the way.

Choosing Paloma means choosing a healthcare partner who listens, understands the intricacies of thyroid and digestive health, and offers the latest evidence-based therapies delivered with compassion and convenience. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, Paloma’s integrated approach gives you the tools and support to reclaim your health with greater confidence. We’re here to help you feel your best—because when your gut and thyroid work well together, you can thrive.

What is the connection between IBS and Hashimoto’s?

People with Hashimoto’s often experience gut symptoms because low thyroid hormones slow digestion, increase inflammation, and make the gut more prone to imbalances like SIBO, which can worsen IBS-like symptoms.

Does having Hashimoto’s mean I will get IBS?

Not necessarily. There’s a significant overlap between symptoms, but Hashimoto’s doesn’t directly cause IBS. Many people may have one condition without the other.

What are the main types of IBS?

IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant), IBS-C (constipation-predominant), IBS-M (mixed), and IBS-U (unclassified). Subtype identification helps guide treatment strategies.

How does SIBO relate to thyroid and IBS symptoms?

Slower gut motility in hypothyroidism can lead to bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, causing bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation, which mirrors IBS symptoms and can intensify discomfort.

Can diet help manage IBS and Hashimoto’s symptoms?

Yes. Identifying and avoiding food triggers (like high FODMAP foods, gluten, or dairy) along with eating a fiber-rich, gut-friendly diet can reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and support a balanced microbiome.

How important is thyroid medication in managing gut symptoms?

Consistent thyroid hormone replacement helps regulate metabolism and gut motility, preventing constipation, bloating, and SIBO, and can indirectly improve IBS-like symptoms.

Are stress and hormones factors in IBS for Hashimoto’s patients?

Absolutely. Stress amplifies gut-brain signaling, worsening symptoms, and hormonal shifts (like those during menstrual cycles or menopause) can influence gut motility and sensitivity.

Should I get tested for SIBO if I have Hashimoto’s and gut issues?

If you experience persistent bloating, gas, or irregular bowel habits, SIBO testing can help identify bacterial overgrowth and guide targeted treatment to relieve symptoms.