Leer en español hypothyroidism in children and adolescents hypothyroidism is the term we use to describe when the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running normally i e. An under or overactive thyroid that goes undiagnosed has the potential to inhibit your healthy growth.

Thyroid Disease Johns Hopkins All Children S Hospital

Hyperthyroidism is significantly more common in women so your teenage daughter is more likely to be affected than your son.

Thyroid problems in teenage females. Hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland causing it to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in babies kids and teens. Routine testing at birth uncovers hypothyroidism in one in every 1 500 3 000 newborns.

Symptoms slowed growth rate puffy face swollen hands and feet poor muscle tone sluggishness sleepiness constipation fatigue dry itchy scalp dry coarse skin heavy menstruation in girls mood swings weight gain hoarse cry or voice dry. Hypothyroidism in children and adolescents faqs. Hypothyroidism slow growth especially stunted height delayed puberty brittle and dry hair fatigue sensitivity towards cold hoarse voice dry skin forgetfulness weight gain slow speech constipation irregular and or heavy menstrual periods depression droopy eyelids slow pulse rate hair loss fallen.

Shaped like a butterfly it sits at the base of the neck bobbing up and down when we swallow. Thyroid problems are particularly damaging if you are a teen because the thyroid plays a significant role in growth and other changes teens undergo during puberty. For many the thyroid is a somewhat mysterious gland.

When hyperthyroidism is left untreated teenagers may face delayed growth. Maybe but excessive fatigue and lack of energy is just one of many symptoms that may indicate a thyroid disorder which affects an estimated 2 to 3 of teenagers. An underactive thyroid gland.

The cause is usually a problem with development of the thyroid gland the bow tie shaped gland at the base of the neck.