From the Research
Abdominal pain in patients with Graves' disease should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine if it is related to the thyroid condition or a separate issue requiring attention. The pain could stem from increased gut motility caused by excess thyroid hormone, which often manifests as more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea 1. Graves' disease can also affect the liver, causing mild hepatitis with right upper quadrant discomfort, as evidenced by abnormal liver function tests in patients with hyperthyroidism 2, 3. Some medications used to treat Graves', particularly methimazole and propylthiouracil (PTU), may cause abdominal pain as a side effect, with methimazole occasionally causing liver inflammation.
Key considerations for evaluating abdominal pain in Graves' disease include:
- Increased gut motility and diarrhea due to excess thyroid hormone
- Mild hepatitis and liver dysfunction
- Medication side effects, such as abdominal pain and liver inflammation
- Potential for other causes of abdominal pain, such as gastroenteritis, cholelithiasis, and appendicitis, which may require imaging studies like ultrasonography or computed tomography 4
For symptom relief, a doctor might recommend acetaminophen for pain, but avoid NSAIDs if there is gastrointestinal sensitivity. Addressing the underlying thyroid dysfunction with appropriate anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery (depending on the specific situation) will often resolve these symptoms. Maintaining proper hydration and eating smaller, more frequent meals may help manage digestive discomfort while thyroid function normalizes. If abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or jaundice, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, as it could indicate a serious complication 4.