Is This Why You're So, Um, Backed Up?

Why it's causing a backup: When your thyroid isn't churning out hormones the way it should, a condition called hypothyroidism, a lot of bodily functions can slow down, digestion included. It's most common in women 60 years and older, and you may also notice symptoms like really dry skin, fatigue that won't go away, intolerance to cold temperatures and unexplained weight gain, among others.

How to fix it: If your doctor suspects that hypothyroidism is causing your constipation, they'll order a thyroid-function test and proceed from there. If testing shows that you have it, medications can help manage the problem.