What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid in Children?

The thyroid gland is an organ responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolic and chemical processes such as growth and development, writes Robyn Koumourou, author of a book about underactive thyroid gland. Sometimes, the thyroid gland doesn't function properly and is either overactive and produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or is underactive and doesn't produce enough hormone (hypothyroidism). It is important to recognize hypothyroidism symptoms and to seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment since the disorder significantly affects the child's growth and development.

General Signs & Symptoms

• People (including children) who have hypothyroidism may experience fatigue, sluggishness, constipation, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, hoarse voice, muscle weakness, puffiness in the face and changes in skin, hair and fingernails, according to the Mayo Clinic.

  Hypothyroidism sufferers of any age group may experience these general symptoms but children and adolescents may have additional symptoms that adults do not have. (References 3 & 4)

Transient Hypothyroidism

• Some babies may have transient (temporary) hypothyroidism where they present abnormal thyroid hormone levels when they are born. However, this irregular level of thyroid hormone returns to normal after some time passes; once the hormones stabilize, the child will not need to be treated long-term, according to Children's Hospital in Boston.

Congenital Hypothyroidism

• Another disorder that may affect newborns is congenital hypothyroidism. Initial symptoms of a baby with this condition are poor appetite, constipation, low body temperature, slow pulse, jaundice, increased sleepiness and decreased crying, writes Koumourou.

  Additional signs of congenital hypothyroidism that develop after several weeks of birth include poor growth and development, hoarse crying, umbilical hernia (naval protrudes), dry skin and hair, slow reflexes and an enlarged tongue, according to Koumourou and Children's Hospital in Boston. If the baby hasn't been treated by this point, unfortunately, there is a good chance that he has already suffered permanent brain damage.

Hypothyroidism in Children and Adolescents

• Because hypothyroidism develops slowly in children and adolescents, doctors may have a challenging time diagnosing the disorder. Regardless, certain signs may lead a doctor to consider hypothyroidism as a potential problem in children; for example, a decrease in growth rate, abnormally short limbs and delays in dental development, as stated by Children's Hospital in Boston.

  Slow growth (height) and delay in sexual growth (puberty) as well as general symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, lack of energy, sensitivity to cold, weight gain and constipation are characteristic of adolescents with underactive thyroid glands. According to Koumourou, a goiter or swelling of the neck due to the thyroid gland being inflamed, may appear. In addition, a nodule (lump) may develop in the thyroid gland, confirming that thyroid disease is present, according to the Children's Hospital in Colorado.