Constipation may be a temporary problem for some people, or a constant concern for others.
Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult passing of hard bowel movements.
Normal bowel movements can vary from daily activity to three times a week. Consider yourself constipated if your normal pattern changes. Resisting the urge to eliminate may cause an alteration of normal bowel activity. Certain medications can cause hard infrequent stools such as iron preparations, calcium supplements, tranquilizers, diuretics, antacids and antidepressants. Constipation is common in pregnancy and in hypothyroidism.