Hardening of the feces:
Insufficient intake of dietary fiber
Dehydration or inadequate water intake
Diuretics and those containing Iron, Calcium, Aluminium, Loperamide, Opioids (e.g. Codeine & Morphine) and certain Anti-Depressants
Endocrine Dysfunction:·Hypothyroidism (inadequate or slow functioning of the Thyroid gland)
Hypokalemia (Low Potassium level)
Acute porphyria (a very rare inherited condition)
Plumbism (Lead poisoning)
Anatomical or Tumours:
Damaged or injured Anal Valve or Sphincter Constriction, where part of the intestine or Rectum is narrowed or blocked, not allowing feces to pass Tumors, either of the bowel or surrounding tissues
StricturesParalysis or slowed transit, where peristaltic movement of the intestines is diminished or absent, so that feces are not moved along
DiverticulaRetained foreign body
Psychiatric causes:
Psychosomatic Constipation, based on anxiety or unfamiliarity with surroundings.
Malingering or Functional Constipation