Hypothyroidism | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in children?
The symptoms of hypothyroidism in children are different than in adults. Each child may experience symptoms differently, and often the symptoms are not seen at all. This is why all infants should be screened for low thyroid.
Symptoms in newborns (neonatal hypothyroidism) may include:
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
- hoarse cry
- poor appetite
- umbilical hernia (navel protrudes out)
- constipation
- slow bone growth
Childhood (juvenile hypothyroidism):
- slow growth, sometimes resulting in abnormally short limbs
- delayed tooth development
Adolescents (adolescent hypothyroidism):
- slow growth
- delayed puberty
- hoarse voice
- slow speech
- droopy eyelids
- puffy and swollen face
- hair loss
- dry skin
- slow pulse
- weight gain
What causes hypothyroidism in children?
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is the body's autoimmune reaction producing antibodies against the thyroid gland. A mother's thyroid disorder treatment (such as iodine) or maternal antithyroid antibodies can affect her unborn child's thyroid function.
Hypothyroidism | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is hypothyroidism diagnosed?
Congenital (present at birth) hypothyroidism is usually detected during a child’s routine newborn screening. Blood samples will reveal any abnormal levels of T4 or TSH hormones, which may indicate that your child has thyroid problems. Your physician may also want to scan your child’s thyroid gland to check for abnormalities.
What are the treatment options for hypothyroidism?
Left untreated in newborns, hypothyroidism can lead to mental retardation. Untreated hypothyroidism may also lead to:
- anemia
- low body temperature
- heart failure
The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormones. Treatment may include thyroid hormones to replace deficient hormones. Some children will require hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives, while others appear to outgrow the disorder, often by the age of 3. Regular monitoring of your child's thyroid hormone levels during the course of treatment, including a 30-day discontinuation of treatment to see how the thyroid responds, can help your child's physician diagnose your child's condition more accurately.
How we care for hypothyroidism
The Boston Children's Hospital Thyroid Center is one of the only centers in the U.S. exclusively devoted to the care of children with thyroid diseases. We are distinguished by our expertise in thyroid ultrasonography, fine needle aspiration, and radioiodine therapy. Our Thyroid Nodule Clinic is one of the largest and most experienced pediatric practices of its type in the U.S.
