Acquired hypothyroidism is a condition that develops when your child’s thyroid gland makes little or no thyroid hormone. Thyroid Hormones are responsible for regulating body temperature, heart rate, and weight loss/gain. These hormones have a profound affect on the development and growth of children. Acquired hypothyroidism can be caused by an Autoimmune Disease, Family History, Medicines, Treatments, and Low Iodine Levels. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the middle of the neck. It is responsible for producing the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. This production is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain via thyroid stimulating hormone (called TSH). T3 and T4 perform many important actions during childhood, including the maintenance of normal growth and bone development. These hormones are important in the regulation of metabolism. This includes your heart rate and how quickly your body uses calories from the foods you eat.
Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid gland that does not produce enough of the active hormones T3 and T4. Too little hormone slows down chemical reactions in the body. This slowdown causes mental and physical changes.
Having too little thyroid hormone causes many symptoms. A slower rate of growth is the first sign of this problem in children. You may also:
- Feel tired all the time
- Have weak muscles
- Be constipated
- Feel cold a lot of the time
Other problems may include:
- Depression
- Heavy or long menstrual periods in young women
- Dry skin
- Hoarse voice
- Trouble learning or remembering
- Weight gain
- Puffiness or swelling in the face and neck
- Bulging soft mass in the stomach
- Weathered or coarse looking facial features
- Developmental delay or stunting
- Dry, flakey skin or brittle fingernails
- Hoarseness and a large tongue
As time continues the symptoms progress to become:
- Depression, fatigue, or irritability
- Sensitivity to cold
- Learning, speech, or behavioral problems
- Constipation
- Delay in sexual development
- Swelling of the whole body, very slow heartbeat, and trouble breathing
Acquired hypothyroidism is usually caused by a disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.