Thyroid problems aren’t isolated to older adults. Although thyroid issues aren’t all that common in children, they are more prevalent than most parents believe. Below, we point out some symptoms that parents should look for that might suggest their child has a thyroid problem, and how these issues are treated.
Symptoms of Thyroid Issues in Kids
In children, hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, is more common than hyperthyroidism, where the gland produces too many hormones. The symptoms of the two conditions tend to be opposites. For example, hypothyroidism often leads to weight gain, while overproduction of hormones can lead to weight loss or the inability to maintain weight.
Other symptoms that may suggest your child is dealing with a thyroid issue include:
- Lethargic feelings/Anxiety
- Rough, dry skin/Sweating
- Excessive sleeping/Inability to fall or stay asleep for long periods
- Always cold/Always hot
- Delayed puberty/Early puberty
- No appetite/Constantly hungry
- Headaches
- Vision problems
- Bruising easily
- Visible bumps (goiters) in the thyroid region.
Most parents are tipped off to the possibility of thyroid problems in their children if they are overweight, tired or don’t seem to be growing at the right rate. However, weight or energy issues could also be attributed to poor diet or inconsistent bedtime routines, so it’s worth talking about your concerns with your child’s pediatrician.
Diagnosing and Treating Pediatric Thyroid Problems
If you or your pediatrician suspects that your child may be dealing with a thyroid condition, there are a few simple ways to test that hypothesis. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed with a blood test. The doctor will take a small sample of your child’s blood, which will then be tested to determine the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. There is an acceptable range for TSH in the blood, so your doctor will compare the sample to the normal range to see if your child is under- or overproducing the hormone. They can also test for other biomarkers or use imaging devices to look for other thyroid issues, like goiters, nodules or cancer.
If the tests reveal that your child is dealing with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, your doctor will walk you through treatment options. In most cases, when the thyroid is underproducing hormones, daily medications are all the child needs. These medications will spur more hormone production or supplement what can’t be made by the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism can also be managed with medications, but hormone overproduction may be best treated by a minimally invasive operation to surgically address the thyroid.
Left untreated, thyroid conditions can lead to more serious health issues, including blood pressure problems, but it can also affect a child’s ability to live life to the fullest. It can leave them feeling too tired to participate in youth sports or too anxious to focus in school. This is why it’s so important to identify the issue and treat it as soon as possible. Dr. Koeplin has been helping treat thyroid problems for years, and he’d be happy to find a solution for your child. For more information or to set up an appointment, reach out to his clinic at (651) 224-1347.
