Recognizing a thyroid disorder in children can be challenging because symptoms often differ from those seen in adults. In children, signs may appear gradually during childhood and are sometimes mistaken for behavioral, growth, or nutritional concerns. This can delay diagnosis and increase the risk of complications.
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are common, usually treatable endocrine disorders in pediatric patients, but they require early screening and appropriate treatment. Some conditions occur sporadically, while others may be inherited, making awareness especially important for parents. Understanding how thyroid disorders affect a child thyroid can help families seek care sooner and improve long-term outcomes.
Understanding Hypothyroidism in Children and How It Affects the Thyroid Gland
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, resulting in deficient thyroid hormone production. This thyroid gland problem slows metabolism and can interfere with growth, energy, and brain development. In severe or untreated cases, children hypothyroidism can become life-threatening.
Some children are born with hypothyroidism due to congenital causes. Congenital hypothyroidism may develop during fetal development or appear in infants shortly after birth, which is why neonatal hypothyroidism screening is critical. Early detection during neonatal and early pediatric care helps prevent permanent developmental delays.
In older children, hypothyroidism may also be caused by autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which damages the thyroid over time.
Common Signs of Hypothyroidism in Children Caused by Thyroid Disorders
A thyroid disorder in children, such as hypothyroidism, often appears with a few common signs. One of the earliest symptoms you may notice is that your child is not growing at the same rate as other children of their age. Other signs of hypothyroidism in children include:
- Puffy face
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Poor muscle tone
- Swollen hands and feet
- Dry skin
- Itchy scalp
- Weight gain
- Enlarged thyroid gland
- Mood swings
Girls who have begun to menstruate will also typically experience heavier periods. If you notice any of the above signs in your child, no matter their age, it’s important to speak with their pediatrician.
What Is Hyperthyroidism in Children and Why It Occurs?
Pediatric hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, causing the body to speed up. This condition is less common than hypothyroidism but can significantly impact growth, heart health, and emotional regulation.
One of the most frequent causes is Graves disease (also written as Graves’ disease), an autoimmune disorder that overstimulates the thyroid. Other causes include thyroid nodule formation, excessive iodine intake, or medication side effects.
Common Signs of Hyperthyroidism in Children Linked to Thyroid Disorders
The first sign of hyperthyroidism in children tends to be that they don’t seem to gain weight and might even lose pounds, despite having a healthy appetite. They could also be intolerant to heat, leading to excess sweating.
Other signs could include:
- Hyperactivity or a general increase in normal activity
- Fatigue
- Fast heartbeat
- Sleeping problems
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Bulging eyes
- Brittle hair
Children with this condition can also experience gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and otherwise increased bowel movements. Muscle weakness could be an issue as well.
Diagnosing a Thyroid Disorder in Children Using Blood and Serum Testing
Thyroid disorders have to be addressed to prevent more serious complications. They can slow growth and even result in cognitive issues. Some children could experience hearing loss and other sensory deficits, along with neuromuscular issues.
These conditions could also lead to menstrual issues in girls and overall delayed puberty in both sexes.
The first step to treating these conditions is to make an appointment with a pediatrician to get an accurate diagnosis.
To do this, they’ll conduct a physical examination, which can check for an enlarged thyroid gland, warm skin, and a fast heart rate if they suspect hyperthyroidism. Even with hypothyroidism, your child’s glands will be swollen, so a physical exam is always required.
The next step will likely be a blood test. This will establish your child’s thyroid hormone levels. If your child has any thyroid condition, the levels will be elevated or significantly lower than they should be.
In instances when hyperthyroidism is suspected, there could be an additional test to see if the issue is the result of Graves’ disease. This is a specific thyroid antibody blood test. Additionally, the pediatrician could recommend imaging tests of the thyroid, like CT scans, ultrasounds, and a thyroid uptake scan.
Medical Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders in Children
The type of thyroid disorder your child has will play a role in the most appropriate treatment. If they have hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy is the most common option.
It helps your child make the hormones their body doesn’t produce naturally, which alleviates their symptoms. Your child will likely need to take these replacement hormones for the rest of their life.
The treatment of hyperthyroidism will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Some medications can help block the excess hormones that your child’s thyroid gland makes. Symptoms tend to get better within a few weeks.
Beta blockers can help control some of the symptoms, like a fast heart rate, while other treatments, like receiving radioactive iodine, can be helpful, too. Typically, this will result in your child needing to take hormone replacement medications for the rest of their lives, since the radioactive iodine impairs thyroid function.
In instances when hyperthyroidism isn’t managed with any of the other options, it may be necessary for your child to undergo surgery. This, too, will result in your child needing to take hormone replacement medication for the rest of their lives because it will impair the natural hormones that the thyroid makes.
Trusting Experienced Pediatricians for Thyroid Disorder Treatment in Children
If your child is displaying signs of a thyroid condition, it’s vital that you reach out to a pediatrician for assistance. At Newport Children’s Medical Group, our team offers an array of services to diagnose and treat everything from pediatric pulmonary issues to thyroid conditions. We offer compassionate, trusted care for children of all ages.
Schedule an appointment with the team at Newport Children’s Medical Group to get started.