Medications That Cause Teen Thyroid Problems

A healthy thyroid is essential, especially for teens because it manufactures the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. The thyroid gland releases hormones into the bloodstream, which contribute to the growth of bones and the onset of puberty, among other functions. Thyroid disease is more common in adults than in children and teens. However, the symptoms and causes are similar. The thyroid gland is on the front part of the neck. The thyroid controls our metabolic and chemical process, affecting every organ in our bodies. Overactive hormone levels can cause an overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism. When the gland is underactive, it is called hypothyroidism.

Lithium

• Lithium is a drug used to treat mental health problems, particularly bipolar disorder and depression. The drug is a mood stabilizer. Lithium can affect thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion.

Amiodarone

• Amiodarone, also known as cordarone, is used to treat heart problems. The drug helps regulate the rhythms of the heart. However, while this drug can be necessary for some teens, it can cause hypothyroidism because of its high level of iodine.

Phenytoin and Carbamazepine

• Both phenytoin and carbamazepine are drugs used to treat epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures. However, this drug can reduce a teen's thyroid levels.

Radiation

• Cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy might notice changes in their thyroid levels, sometimes causing hypothyroidism. While this type of treatment may be hard to avoid, it's best to have thyroid levels checked.

Chemotherapy Medications

• Chemotherapy medications are also used to treat individuals with cancer. These type of medications are also often only used when absolutely necessary. However, they can also affect the thyroid levels, causing hypothyroidism. These medications are sunitinib (Sutent) and imatinib (Gleevec).