Constipation and Fatigue: Understanding the Link, Causes, and Relief

Explore how constipation and fatigue are connected, the underlying causes, and expert-backed strategies to find lasting relief for both symptoms.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Explore how constipation and fatigue are connected, the underlying causes, and expert-backed strategies to find lasting relief for both symptoms.

Constipation and Fatigue: Understanding the Connection, Causes, and Relief

Constipation and fatigue are two of the most frequent symptoms reported in medical practice. Though often considered separately, these symptoms commonly occur together and can significantly disrupt daily life. Understanding their potential connection, what causes them, and how to find relief is crucial for anyone experiencing these issues.

What Are Constipation and Fatigue?

Constipation is not a disease itself but a symptom commonly defined by fewer than three bowel movements per week, hard or lumpy stools, difficulty passing stools, or a sense of incomplete evacuation. Patterns can vary from person to person, and what is ‘normal’ depends on your typical bowel habits.

Fatigue refers to a persistent sense of tiredness, lack of energy, or weariness that is not relieved by rest. Like constipation, fatigue is a symptom that can stem from a wide variety of underlying issues, from temporary stress to chronic diseases.

Are Constipation and Fatigue Linked?

Many people notice constipation and fatigue occurring at the same time. While there is limited direct scientific evidence establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, both symptoms often appear simultaneously due to shared underlying causes or comorbid conditions.

Some research suggests a correlation between the experience of constipation and higher levels of fatigue, especially in older adults.
Studies on specific conditions—like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—show fatigue and constipation commonly co-occur, likely due to the same root issue.

In summary, if you are experiencing both constipation and fatigue, they likely share a common cause such as a medication side effect, medical condition, or lifestyle factor.

Common Causes of Constipation and Fatigue

Several conditions and factors may lead to both constipation and fatigue. Understanding these can help determine the best steps toward relief.

1. Medications

Certain drugs can slow digestive processes or affect energy levels, including:

Opioid pain medications – known for causing constipation and tiredness as side effects.
Muscle relaxants and some antidepressants – can produce both symptoms, especially in older adults.
Cancer treatments – chemotherapies and certain supportive medicines frequently trigger both constipation and profound fatigue.

2. Dehydration and Malnutrition

Both dehydration and poor nutrition can slow down digestion and sap energy:

Not drinking enough fluids leads to hard, dry stools and can cause tiredness.
Insufficient dietary fiber slows bowel function.
Chronic illnesses, digestive disorders, or restricted diets can contribute to malnutrition, worsening both symptoms.

3. Autoimmune Conditions

Diseases in which the immune system attacks the body—such as:

Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

These conditions may produce inflammation, which is associated with both fatigue and changes in bowel habits, including constipation.

4. Chronic Syndromes

Fibromyalgia: Known for widespread pain, this syndrome can also cause both fatigue and digestive issues such as constipation.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Persistent tiredness is the hallmark, often accompanied by constipation or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

5. Other Medical Conditions

Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone can slow metabolism, causing both fatigue and constipation.
Depression: Can result in low energy and changes in bowel movements.
Diabetes: Nerve damage and metabolic changes can slow digestion (leading to constipation) and cause tiredness.

Risk Factors

Certain people are more likely to experience constipation and fatigue together:

Older adults – due to changes in diet, activity, and increased medication use.
Those with chronic illnesses, especially digestive, neurologic, or autoimmune conditions.
People on long-term medications that affect the digestive system or cause drowsiness.
Individuals undergoing treatments for cancer.
People with limited mobility or low physical activity levels.

Addressing modifiable risk factors—such as improving hydration, diet, and activity—can help reduce symptoms in many cases.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience either constipation or fatigue that is severe, sudden, or persistent, prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional is advised. This is especially urgent if you have any of the following:

Noticeable changes in your usual energy or bowel patterns lasting more than a few weeks
Blood in stool
Unintentional weight loss
Severe abdominal pain or bloating

Your doctor can review your symptoms, perform an appropriate examination, review medications, and may order stool tests, blood work, or other diagnostics to clarify the cause. Early diagnosis means earlier and more effective treatment.

Managing and Preventing Constipation and Fatigue

Many lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies can address both symptoms, often providing significant relief.

Dietary Changes

Increase fiber intake: Aim for at least 25–30 grams of fiber a day from sources like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Stay hydrated: Drink enough fluids throughout the day, especially water.
Avoid processed and low-fiber foods: Reduce fast food, meats, and packaged snacks.

Exercise Regularly

Physical movement stimulates bowel activity and increases overall energy.
Walking, stretching, and low-impact aerobic exercise are recommended.

Review Medications

Discuss current prescriptions with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust dosages, recommend alternatives, or provide additional remedies such as stool softeners or gentle laxatives if needed.

Establish Routines

Try to have regular meal and bathroom times. This supports natural digestive rhythms.
Prioritize sleep, aiming for at least 7–8 hours per night for optimal energy and gut health.

Address Underlying Conditions

Treating autoimmune or chronic diseases, correcting nutrient deficiencies, and managing mental health can ease both constipation and fatigue.

Older Adults: Special Considerations

Constipation and fatigue are particularly common—and often underreported—among older adults. During events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, decreased physical activity, lower fluid intake, and higher rates of depression increase the risk of both symptoms and frailty.

Ensuring regular movement, adequate nutrition, and regularly checking in with healthcare providers is vital in this population. Improving one’s awareness of bowel habits and prompt management of early symptoms helps maintain quality of life and independence.

Table: Common Causes of Constipation and Fatigue

Category	Examples	How They Contribute
Medications	Opioids, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, chemotherapy	Slow gut motility, cause drowsiness
Dehydration/Malnutrition	Low fluid/fiber intake, poor appetite, digestive diseases	Hard stools, low energy
Autoimmune Diseases	Celiac disease, IBD	Inflammation, bowel disruptions, systemic fatigue
Chronic Syndromes	Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome	Pain, gastrointestinal dysfunction, persistent tiredness
Endocrine Disorders	Hypothyroidism, diabetes	Slow metabolism, nerve damage, energy disturbance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can constipation cause fatigue?

While constipation is unlikely to directly cause fatigue in healthy individuals, both symptoms frequent co-occur when prompted by the same root medical condition, dietary habits, dehydration, or medications. Some people might also feel uncomfortable, bloated, or less energetic when constipated, compounding their sense of tiredness.

Is it normal to feel tired after straining or having constipation?

Straining can be exhausting, particularly if it’s recurrent or severe. The discomfort and physical effort required during constipation may leave you feeling tired or drained. However, persistent fatigue should always be evaluated in case of underlying causes.

Which medical conditions most commonly cause both constipation and fatigue?

Common culprits include hypothyroidism, diabetes, depression, autoimmune diseases (like celiac disease or IBD), and syndromes such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. Cancer and treatments for severe illnesses can also promote both symptoms.

When should I worry about constipation and fatigue?

If either symptom is new, severe, or ongoing—especially with weight loss, blood in the stool, loss of appetite, or significant pain—seek prompt medical attention. These could signal a more serious underlying condition.

What can I do today to help relieve both symptoms?

Drink more water throughout the day.
Eat high-fiber foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
Take regular walks or gentle exercise.
Avoid highly processed, low-fiber foods.
Consider reviewing your medications with your healthcare provider.

Is there any research supporting the link between constipation and fatigue?

Evidence is limited, but research in older adults has found that those who perceive themselves as constipated often report higher fatigue levels. However, the relationship is likely due to shared causes, not a direct one-to-one effect.

Takeaway

Constipation and fatigue often occur together as symptoms of diverse underlying health conditions or lifestyle factors. Effective management starts with understanding the shared causes, making healthy lifestyle changes, and seeking medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms. Improved awareness, diet, hydration, movement, and close communication with healthcare professionals can help restore both your digestive health and energy levels.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete