Hormonal Disorders

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary depending on the age of the child. Symptoms in infants and young children Symptoms in older children Symptoms In Infants And Young Children Hypothyroidism that occurs in infancy or early childhood is called cretinism. Babies born with hypothyroidism classically show a number of symptoms in the first weeks

Normal levels of thyroid hormone are vital for proper growth and development. Consequently, hypothyroidism, especially in infants and young children, can lead to serious, sometimes permanent, developmental problems if not detected and treated promptly. For infants born with hypothyroidism, diagnosis and treatment within the first month or so of life may prevent any irreversible problems

In the United States, Canada, and much of the Western world, newborns are routinely screened for thyroid hormone deficiency. Infants with abnormal screening tests receive follow-up evaluation for hypothyroidism. Such testing commonly leads to the correct diagnosis within the first four weeks of age, and treatment can begin immediately. Diagnosis later in childhood is usually

The vast majority of cases of childhood hypothyroidism (95% or more) are caused by a problem within the thyroid gland or by lack of a thyroid gland. A much smaller number of cases (less than 5%) are caused by a problem in the brain or pituitary gland, the small gland at the base of the

The treatment for hypothyroidism is simple: Supply the body with the thyroid hormone that isn’t being produced and released by the thyroid gland. Synthetic (artificially produced) thyroid hormone (T4) is manufactured in a wide range of strengths so that dosage can be individually tailored for each person. It is important that an experienced physician oversee

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition in adults and a relatively common endocrine condition in infants and children. This thyroid problem can be treated relatively easily and inexpensively with a daily dose of synthetic (artificially manufactured) thyroid hormone. Thyroid treatment supplies the hormone missing in the body. Organs return to a proper level of stimulation

Here are some frequently asked questions related to hypothyroidism in children. Q: Our daughter was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. She was late entering puberty (all of her friends had had menstrual periods for awhile but she didn’t) and she had begun to have real problems at school. She had also complained she always felt cold. I didn’t

Treatment of hypothyroidism is simple. It involves taking daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. This supplies the body with thyroid hormone to replace what isn’t being produced by the thyroid gland. The replacement thyroid hormone is artificially manufactured and is structurally identical to the thyroid hormone produced naturally in the body. It is a synthetic derivative

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to hypothyroidism in children. Hypothyroidism is the condition marked by too little thyroid hormone in the blood. Growth and development are slowed, and children have symptoms due to inadequate stimulation of organs by thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can occur at any age, from birth well into the