Hormonal Disorders

In the United States, Canada, and much of the Western world, newborns are routinely screened for thyroid hormone deficiency. Infants with abnormal screening tests receive follow-up evaluation for hypothyroidism. Such testing commonly leads to the correct diagnosis within the first four weeks of age, and treatment can begin immediately. Diagnosis later in childhood is usually […]

The vast majority of cases of childhood hypothyroidism (95% or more) are caused by a problem within the thyroid gland or by lack of a thyroid gland. A much smaller number of cases (less than 5%) are caused by a problem in the brain or pituitary gland, the small gland at the base of the

The treatment for hypothyroidism is simple: Supply the body with the thyroid hormone that isn’t being produced and released by the thyroid gland. Synthetic (artificially produced) thyroid hormone (T4) is manufactured in a wide range of strengths so that dosage can be individually tailored for each person. It is important that an experienced physician oversee

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine condition in adults and a relatively common endocrine condition in infants and children. This thyroid problem can be treated relatively easily and inexpensively with a daily dose of synthetic (artificially manufactured) thyroid hormone. Thyroid treatment supplies the hormone missing in the body. Organs return to a proper level of stimulation

Here are some frequently asked questions related to hypothyroidism in children. Q: Our daughter was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. She was late entering puberty (all of her friends had had menstrual periods for awhile but she didn’t) and she had begun to have real problems at school. She had also complained she always felt cold. I didn’t

Treatment of hypothyroidism is simple. It involves taking daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. This supplies the body with thyroid hormone to replace what isn’t being produced by the thyroid gland. The replacement thyroid hormone is artificially manufactured and is structurally identical to the thyroid hormone produced naturally in the body. It is a synthetic derivative

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to hypothyroidism in children. Hypothyroidism is the condition marked by too little thyroid hormone in the blood. Growth and development are slowed, and children have symptoms due to inadequate stimulation of organs by thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can occur at any age, from birth well into the

Several potentially significant health conditions are common in persons with hypothyroidism. They include: Goiter Heart disease High cholesterol Anemia Infertility Goiter Goiter is a general term for an enlarged thyroid gland that has the appearance of a swelling or fullness in the neck. Many persons with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have a goiter. Although the thyroid gland

Here are definitions of medical terms related to hypothyroidism in children. Adam’s apple: This part of the cartilage that forms the larynx, or voice box, can be felt at the front of the neck. It is more prominent visually and by touch in men than in women. Antibody: A protein made by the body’s immune system to

There is no known cure for Graves’ disease. Three forms of therapy are available for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. These therapies work by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone made by the thyroid gland; therefore, an excess amount of hormone does not get into the bloodstream. The treatments available are: Anti-thyroid drugs Radioactive iodine, also

Surgical treatment for hyperthyroidism involves removal of almost all of the thyroid gland. The remaining part of the gland is not able to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. This surgical procedure is known as a near total thyroidectomy. Surgical treatment is less common than in the past. There are important points to know about surgery

Graves’ disease may be associated with particular eye changes. The eye changes are called hyperthyroid eye disease and occur in about 30 percent of people with Graves’ disease. These changes are visible as protruding eyes. There is no relationship between the appearance of eye changes and the severity of the hyperthyroidism. There is increased risk