Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the front of the neck and plays an important role in the body. It produces hormones that control brain development and growth and regulates metabolism.

The most common thyroid problems are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and thyroid nodules, which are all treatable.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland is under-reactive or produces too little thyroid hormone. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which usually runs in the family and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it.

There are two main types of hypothyroidism. The first is congenital hypothyroidism, which is often diagnosed during mandatory newborn screening tests. One in 2000 - 4,000 babies are born with the disease.

The second is acquired hypothyroidism, which usually appears in adolescence but can happen at any age. One in 2,000 children are diagnosed with the disorder. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Babies with hypothyroidism will usually not have any symptoms since it is diagnosed soon after birth with the newborn screening. Older children may experience growth failure, modest weight gain, fatigue, tiredness, constipation, cold intolerance, dry hair and menstrual irregularity. Your child's health care provider can typically see and feel an enlarged thyroid gland. A simple blood test can determine if your child has hypothyroidism.

It is important to note that while hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, weight gain is very rarely caused by hypothyroidism. We know obesity and weight gain can cause mildly abnormal thyroid levels, but it doesn't mean your child needs to be treated. If your child is obese or overweight, but otherwise healthy and growing well, the chances of hypothyroidism are very low.

Treatment

Treatment is very simple. Children, whether diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism or acquired hypothyroidism, need to take one pill a day, which replaces the amount of hormone that the thyroid is not able to produce. For babies, the pill can be crushed and put in formula, breast milk or water. There are no side effects of the medication.

Some toddlers with congenital hypothyroidism can be weaned off treatment after 2-3 years old. Children with more severe cases will need to be treated for life. Treatment for acquired hypothyroidism is also lifelong.

Why treatment is important

If not treated, congenital hypothyroidism can cause developmental delays and poor growth in babies. Adolescents and older kids may experience chronic fatigue, constant modest weight gain, poor growth, short stature, mental irregularities and learning difficulties.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid gland is over-reactive or produces too much thyroid hormone. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease. One in every 10,000 children are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Children that have hyperthyroidism can have significant weight loss, rapid growth, hyperactivity, anxiety, mood swings, diarrhea or loose stools and proptosis, which is the bulging or displacement of the eyes. An enlarged thyroid gland can also be visible and can be felt, and a simple blood test can determine if the child has hyperthyroidism.

Treatment

Kids with hyperthyroidism have three treatment options.

The first one is an anti-thyroid medication that normalizes the thyroid hormone levels and is given 2-3 times a day, but most children can eventually be weaned down to once a day. Side effects of the medication can include a decrease in white cell counts, high liver enzymes and skin rashes. These are monitored during treatment with blood tests.

Thyroid ablation is another option. The child swallows a pill that contains a dose of radioactive iodine, which painlessly destroys the thyroid tissue. This treatment stops the thyroid from working and the child will become hypothyroid and will need thyroid hormone replacement.

Surgery to remove the gland is the last form of treatment and is used in some cases when other treatment options cannot be considered. The child will become hypothyroid and will need thyroid hormone replacement.

Why treatment is important

Hyperthyroidism can be more serious than hypothyroidism and has more severe consequences if not treated. In rare cases, hyperthyroidism can lead to thyroid storm – a life-threatening condition that increases heart rate and blood pressure, and can cause the child’s body temperature to soar to dangerously high levels.