While constipation can be a normal experience for most people with certain life events like with travel or changes in your diet, you should speak to your provider about your constipation if any of these following alarm signs are present: if the constipation is lasting more than three weeks, if the symptoms are really bad or disabling, stomach pain whenever you pass stool, changes in the stool caliber like the stool becoming thinner, blood in your stool, black stools, any signs of anemia like low iron in the blood, weakness, fatigue or any weight loss without trying. When you speak with your doctor, be sure to tell them about all medications, including over-the-counter medications you're taking. Your doctor or healthcare provider will decide if tests are needed to find out if the constipation is a symptom of an underlying health problem.