What is the Thyroid Gland?
Thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland situated in the front of the neck. It produces the hormone thyroxine (T4). The production of thyroxine is controlled by TSH. Thyroxine is a very important hormone required for the growth and development in children, it is very essential for the development of brain especially in the first 3 years of life. Thyroxine is important for the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein and fat in the body.
What are the problems with the thyroid hormone?
Thyroid hormone problems can happen in both low production called hypothyroidism or high production called hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones need to be produced in adequate amounts for proper functioning of the body and both low or high can be problematic.
What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a result of low thyroid hormone production. This can be present in new born infants or may present later in childhood. All newborns should be checked for thyroid hormone level (TSH, T4) after birth and children with low t4 levels or high TSH should be treated immediately.
In older children and adolescents hypothyroidism may present with:
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Hair loss, dry skin
- Fatigue, lethargy
- Short stature (poor height gain)
- Menstrual disturbances in girls
- Delay in onset of puberty
- Depression, anxiety
- Poor academic performance
- Feeling excessive cold
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is one the most common and easily treatable condition with oral medication. The tablets need to be taken every day in the morning at the same time. While on treatment the TSH and T4 needs to be monitored regularly as advised by your endocrinologist. These medicines are very safe and are easily given to children including newborns.
Children and Adolescent boys and girls are easily managed on these medications and it does not impair their daily routine or activity when taken properly.
The symptoms also revert back to normal once the child is started on thyroxine treatment and growth rate improves as well.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is excessive production of the thyroid hormone (thyroxine). The symptoms commonly seen in hyperthyroidism are:
- Protruding eye balls
- Nervousness
- Weight loss
- Hair loss, moist skin or palms
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Fast heart rate
- Trembling of hands/ tremors
- Swelling in the neck
- Intolerance to heat
What is the treatment of Hyperthyroidism?
The treatment of hyperthyroidism is to reduce the production of the excess hormone and is by oral medications, which can be slowly tapered and stopped if the symptoms improve.
