Thyroid dysfunction, either hyper or hypothyroidism, promotes gallstone formation by different mechanisms
Its primary function is to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps break down fats and aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. When we consume a fatty meal, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to facilitate digestion. When we eat a fatty meal, the concentrated bile is released from the gallbladder through the common bile duct, then heads to the duodenum, which is the initial part of the small intestine.
Understanding the Thyroid-Gallbladder Relationship
In this study9, no independent relation between thyroid disorders and gallstone formation was found. Unfortunately, the exposure was only defined as previous history of thyroid disease, and assessments of the current thyroid function status were not included. Moreover, there are currently no investigations that also include ultrasound to evaluate asymptomatic gallstones in this context. For decades, there has been a discussion, whether thyroid disorders could cause gallstone disease. Particularly, there are several explanations for a possible relation between hypothyroidism and gallstone disease. These explanations include the known link between thyroid failure and disturbances of lipid metabolism1 that may consecutively lead to a change of the composition of the bile.
And a malfunctioning gallbladder will make it more difficult to digest the foods and supplements you take when following such a protocol. In summary, many people with hypothyroidism have the condition known as estrogen dominance, and this in turn can lead to a gallbladder issue. And anyone who is looking to restore their health by following a natural treatment protocol will need to correct the estrogen dominance problem, which in turn will frequently correct the gallbladder issue. Not addressing these conditions will interfere with the hormones, the digestive process, and will make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to fully restore one’s health back to normal. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. On the other hand, the gallbladder aids in digestion by storing bile, a substance that helps break down fats.
4. Microscopic observations: examples of liquid and solid crystals
Despite all these results from various studies, there are still questions about the mechanism behind the association of hypothyroidism and cholelithiasis though a significant correlation has been proved. The thyroid hormone has numerous effects on metabolism and also on cholesterol metabolism, which is frequently observed with the presence of deranged values of lipid profile in this kind of patient. In cases of hypothyroidism when the metabolism of cholesterol has been affected, the level of serum cholesterol rises leading to supersaturation in the bile 25,26.
Though often overlooked, the gallbladder plays a vital role in digestion by storing bile, a liver-produced liquid essential for fat breakdown. When gallbladder function is compromised, it can lead to severe and often painful symptoms, including sharp abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and even jaundice in severe cases. Gallstones, hardened deposits of bile substances like cholesterol, are the most common culprit behind gallbladder disease, affecting millions annually. Factors like age, gender, diet, and lifestyle significantly impact gallbladder health, but an often-overlooked contributor is thyroid gland dysfunction.
For anyone who has a thyroid condition looking to give natural treatment methods a try, it is imperative to first determine if they have an existing gallbladder problem. Usually this can be done by closely looking at their case history, which should help to reveal the symptoms they are experiencing which may be related to their gallbladder issues. I’ve discussed estrogen dominance in past articles numerous times, as this condition is due to an imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
5. Sequences of cholesterol gallstone formation
Increasing your intake of fiber and ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C) may also reduce your risk of developing gallstones. I’ve found supplementing with pancreatic enzymes to be very helpful in the breaking down and digesting of fats. This is because some people with fat malabsorption issues may also have exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or a deficiency in pancreatic enzymes. This condition may result from chronic stress, mold toxicity, SIBO, alcohol use, H. Pylori, low stomach acid, Giardia, celiac disease, or damaged microvilli in the gut.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
Bile from the liver is sent to the gallbladder via a passageway called the common bile duct, and then it is concentrated and stored there. First, let’s talk about how the synthroid splitting liver and gallbladder work together (along with the pancreas) to break down fats for healthy digestion, absorption, and elimination. With that being said, someone who has already had their gallbladder removed will still need to have the original cause addressed, and then will need some ongoing support. In this example, once the hormonal imbalance is corrected, the person will need ongoing support to help aid in the breakdown of fats and oils, which will be compromised without a gallbladder. Well, this can help some people with gallbladder issues, although I usually use this as a last resort.
- The gallbladder’s job is to store bile until the stomach sends hormones, indicating that bile is needed to help break down certain foods.
- To give you a more accurate sense of your thyroid function, ideally include thyroid antibodies and thyroid receptor antibodies (as well as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4).
- I’d also recommend people provide an extra dose of support for their liver by following the two-week Liver Support Protocol in my book, Hashimoto’s Protocol.
- Dr. Michael Koeplin is a Minnesota general surgeon treating patients throughout the Twin Cities Metro area.
Although following such a protocol can be a challenge, it is definitely a better option than surgery. Of course my goal is to help prevent people from getting to the point where gallbladder surgery is recommended. For example, if you eat raw nuts and seeds, these consist of “good fats”, and when eaten in moderation they are actually healthy for you. On the other hand, a large milkshake also has a lot of fat, but this is considered to be a “bad fat”.
So people who have already had their gallbladder removed really do need lifetime nutritional support to help thin the bile. This resulted in a study population of subjects who were available for the present analysis. Low thyroid function also contributes to gallbladder diseases such as gallstones. Sometimes, gallstones (also known by the medical term cholelithiasis) can form in the bile duct from cholesterol and other substances in the bile. Gallstones are hardened deposits (or stones) that can be as small as a piece of sand or as large as a golf ball. Some gallstones pass without any symptoms; others can cause excruciating pain.
