{"id":1852,"date":"2022-02-15T12:01:42","date_gmt":"2022-02-15T12:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/?p=1852"},"modified":"2026-02-09T18:57:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T18:57:01","slug":"1852-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/1852-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Hypothyroidism in Children"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism in children occurs when the production of thyroid hormone is very low. This particular type of endocrine disorder can slow down a child\u2019s growth. Hypothyroid child behavior also includes fatigue and cognitive delay together with constipation and weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essentially, the thyroid gland is located in the neck and has an almost butterfly-like shape. The thyroid is responsible for the production of hormones which are consequently tied to proper growth and development. In case the gland can\u2019t produce enough of these hormones, it\u2019s possible to manage the issue with hormone replacement. Hypothyroidism in kids can be diagnosed in the very first month of life, which considerably increases the possibility of better outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Different Types of Hypothyroidism in Children<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of hypothyroidism in kids can differ, making every single case rather unique and individual, with a specific treatment process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Congenital hypothyroidism in children is caused by poor development of the thyroid during pregnancy. Screening tests for newborns can typically spot this rather quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Autoimmune hypothyroidism in kids refers to the immune system attacking a healthy thyroid gland, which then affects its proper function. This condition is commonly called Hashimoto\u2019s thyroiditis, and the most common cause is linked to chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of thyroid issues in children, the thyroid gland can be medically removed or damaged as a consequence of some other problem, such as thyroid cancer. This is often referred to as acquired hypothyroidism.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another hypothyroid child behavior involves the lack of production of the TSH in the brain, which is a thyroid-stimulating hormone. Even though the gland itself may be healthy, it cannot function properly without this hormone. This condition is called central hypothyroidism and is often caused by hypothalamus\/pituitary gland malformation or damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Children<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1854 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children.jpg\" alt=\"Red-Haired Boy With a Stylish Haircut, in a Gray Sweater, Lies on the Red Rubber Coating of the Stadium\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Symptoms-of-Hypothyroidism-in-Children.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism in children, it\u2019s rather useful to know as many of them as possible. After all, the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism in children can be easily attributed to something else and overlooked, such as constipation and sleepiness for example. In general, the symptoms of thyroid issues in children are rather similar to those in adults. However, some fall under specific hypothyroid child behavior, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleepiness and constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings and slower reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Puffy face and\/or swollen hands and feet<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weak muscles and slower growth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hoarser voice<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very dry hair and skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased sensitivity to cold<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy periods in adolescent girls<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thyroid enlargement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The majority of parents will notice that there\u2019s something wrong with their child\u2019s health when the child\u2019s growth rate drastically slows down. Kids won\u2019t outgrow their clothes for way too long, or they\u2019ll be noticeably shorter than their peers. Make sure to talk about this to your child\u2019s pediatrician. When they suspect thyroid issues in children, pediatricians will usually refer the parents and their kid to a pediatric endocrinologist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The two most common screening tests to determine whether there\u2019s hypothyroidism present include TSH measuring, pointing to the amount of brain-produced hormone that the thyroid needs to function properly, and T4 measuring, pointing to the amount of thyroid-produced hormone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If hypothyroidism is confirmed, don\u2019t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a <\/span><a href=\"\/pemc-florida\/hormones\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">child hypothyroidism specialist in Florida<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as soon as possible. The sooner adequate treatment begins, the better the outcome will be.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Most Common Causes of Hypothyroidism in Children<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different factors can cause thyroid issues in children, mainly genetics, nutritional deficiencies, and cancer treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Genetics<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though it\u2019s not all that common, hypothyroidism in children can be triggered by genetic mutations. There are certain risk factors when it comes to congenital hypothyroidism, such as having a twin, having a sibling suffering from hypothyroidism, and even being conceived with IVF. Also, prematurely born babies have an increased risk of central hypothyroidism. Expecting mothers with autoimmune hypothyroidism could pass it on to their babies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Cancer Treatment<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A child\u2019s growth rate can be affected by cancer as well as cancer treatments. Radiation therapy can be connected to hypothyroidism in kids, especially in the cases where the pituitary\/thyroid glands are targeted. Furthermore, about a quarter of kids who had a bone marrow transplant and went through ionizing radiation have to deal with hypothyroidism. However, this particular kind of hypothyroidism tends to resolve itself after a couple of years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Nutritional Deficiencies<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hypothyroidism in kids due to nutritional deficiency is relatively rare, but again, not impossible. Too little or too much iodine can affect the function of the thyroid gland. The proper iodine intake largely depends on one\u2019s diet. Also, certain over-the-counter meds and supplements can contain iodine, which is why it\u2019s important to check the ingredients. Both iodine deficiency and an excessive amount of iodine can be linked to hypothyroidism.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Mother\u2019s Hypothyroidism<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnant ladies affected by hypothyroidism can also pass this condition to their newborn children. After all, while the baby is still in the womb, it can only rely on the mother\u2019s thyroid hormones. If the mother lacks the adequate production of thyroid hormones herself, the baby won\u2019t get the needed amount either. Of course, with the right treatment and regular checkups, women with hypothyroidism can easily give birth to perfectly healthy babies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Treatment for Hypothyroidism in Children<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1855 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children.jpg\" alt=\"Girl\u2019s Neck Diagnosis Carried Out With the Use of an Ultrasound\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/111\/2022\/05\/Treatment-for-Hypothyroidism-in-Children.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, the majority of kids affected by hypothyroidism can be successfully treated with the medication levothyroxine, which acts as a replacement for the thyroid hormone. Essentially, the med acts as a T4 hormone and therefore has to be taken every day and at the same time. This particular med comes in the form of a pill, and sadly, there\u2019s no liquid alternative for the youngest kids. In case the child is too young to swallow pills, it\u2019s possible to crush them for easier consumption. Kids can also chew on it. The best practice for infants is to use a pill grinder and then mix the contents with milk. Remember, though, that iron\/calcium supplements should not be given to a child at the same time as levothyroxine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that the child\u2019s growing body will also need more thyroid hormone. This is why it\u2019s crucial to have regular doctor\u2019s appointments so that they can keep track of the child\u2019s growth and hormonal levels. In case the doctor notices that the child\u2019s thyroid hormone is starting to drop, they are likely to recommend a higher dose of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Levothyroxine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">levothyroxine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding out that your kid is suffering from hypothyroidism can\u2019t be easy for a parent, but it\u2019s important to remember that this condition is very treatable. Even when they\u2019re affected by it in early childhood, children can grow and develop properly with the right treatment. The most important thing is to take your child for regular check-ins and screenings to adjust the med dosage when necessary. If you\u2019re not sure whether there\u2019s a thyroid issue with your child or not, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to us at the Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Center. We treat hormones and metabolism disorders in kids and will make sure your child is well taken care of and ready to learn, grow, and laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hypothyroidism in children occurs when the production of thyroid hormone is very low. This particular type of endocrine disorder can slow down a child\u2019s growth. Hypothyroid child behavior also includes fatigue and cognitive delay together with constipation and weight gain. Essentially, the thyroid gland is located in the neck and has an almost butterfly-like shape.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":1853,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[192,193,194,195,196],"class_list":["post-1852","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-child-care","tag-hypothyroid-child-behavior","tag-hypothyroidism-in-children","tag-hypothyroidism-in-kids","tag-symptoms-of-hypothyroidism-in-children","tag-thyroid-issues-in-children"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1852","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1852"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1852\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1853"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1852"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1852"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/pemc-florida\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1852"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}