What causes constipation?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Constipation can be caused by a variety of health conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors, and the specific reasons differ among individuals. Key contributors include hypothyroidism, diabetes, certain medications like opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as a low-fiber diet, physical inactivity, and low fluid intake.

    There are many possible causes of and contributors to constipation, which means the reason for constipation varies from person to person.

    A number of health conditions can cause constipation, including hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypercalcemia, intestinal stricture, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Constipation can also be caused by various medications, including opioids, iron supplements, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), calcium channel blockers, antacids, antihistamines, and diuretics.

    Lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of constipation include a low fiber intake,[1][2][3][4] physical inactivity,[2][5][6][4] and a low fluid intake,[7][8][9][4] although conflicting evidence exists for each of these factors.

    What causes constipation? - Examine