Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Hypothyroidism

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: April 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is hypothyroidism?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is hypothyroidism?

• Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid does not make enough hormones.
• The thyroid gland helps control metabolism (how fast your heart beats and how you burn calories).
• The most severe form of hypothyroidism is called myxedema. It is a medical emergency.

  
  Center organ: Thyroid Gland

What causes it?

• Treatment of hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism.
• Some medications can cause it.
• It can be caused by disease of the thyroid gland.
• It can be caused by the pituitary gland not working right. (The thyroid needs the pituitary gland to help it work correctly).
• It can be caused by congenital defects (problems with a baby's growth and development before birth).
• Removal of the thyroid gland can cause it.
• Some women get it during pregnancy.

Who can get it?

• Risk factors include being over age 50.
• Females are at high risk.
• Obesity is a risk.
• Those who have had thyroid surgery are at risk.
• People exposed to neck x-rays and radiation treatment are at risk.
• Women with diabetes are at risk of getting it during or after pregnancy.

What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms may be hard to notice and are similar to symptoms of depression. Symptoms can be mild to severe.

• Infants and young children may have developmental disabilities.
• Infants may have trouble feeding, swollen stomachs, or not grow normally.
• The body slows down, both physically and mentally.
• Sluggishness, weakness, and a feeling of being overly tired
• Constipation
• Depression
• Joint or muscle pain, cramps
• Pale skin or patchy skin
• Thin and brittle hair or fingernails
• Weight gain
• Thickening skin
• Swelling of the hands, face, feet, ankles, and legs
• Slow speech, tongue problems
• Hoarse voice
• Body becomes very sensitive to cold
• Dry skin
• Less sense of smell and taste, hearing loss
• Thinning eyebrows, hair loss
• Problems with menstrual periods
• Nipple discharge
• High blood pressure, low blood pressure
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Low temperature

Is it contagious?

• No. It is not contagious.

How is it treated?

• Newborns are tested for it right after birth so treatment can begin immediately.
• The doctor may take several tests to see if there is a thyroid problem.
• The goal of treatment is to help the thyroid start working correctly.
• Treatment may include thyroid hormone medication.
• Your child should have check-ups if she has hypothyroidism.
• Your child will probably have to take thyroid hormones for the rest of her life.
• If left untreated, symptoms are likely to get worse.

How long does it last?

• A child with hypothyroidism will need medication her whole life to prevent problems.

Can it be prevented?

• There is no known prevention.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if your child has symptoms of hypothyroidism.
• Call the doctor if symptoms do not get better with treatment.
• Call the doctor if your child gets new symptoms.
• Call the doctor if your child has chest pain, a very fast heartbeat, or difficulty breathing.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

Quick Answers

• Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid does not make enough hormones.
• Treatment of hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism. Some medications can cause it. It can be caused by disease of the thyroid gland.
• Risk factors include being female, over age 50, and being obese.
• Symptoms may be hard to notice and are similar to symptoms of depression.
• It is not contagious.
• Newborns are tested for it right after birth so treatment can begin immediately.
• A child with hypothyroidism will need medication her whole life to prevent problems.
• There is no known prevention.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's treatment or condition.

References

• HON. Thyroid Gland Disorders: Hypothyroidism. (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.hon.ch/Dossier/MotherChild/child_hormones/hypothyroidism.html
• MayoClinic. What is Hypothyroidism? 2001 April 03 (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/diseasesandconditions/invoke.cfm?objectid=021FF7E0-FECE-4FE8-B7EBF6632546B116&locID=
• MEDLINEplus. Hypothyroidism. 2001 May 22 (cited 2002 March 25). URL: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000353.htm
• NIDDK. Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases. (cited 2002 April 11). URL: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/endo/endo.htm

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