EXPERT
Michael Wood
Endocronologist (Pediatric) | Pediatric Endocrinology
<p>Dr. Michael Wood is a pediatric endocrinologist practicing in Farmington Hills, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Wood specializes in growth, puberty, diabetes or other disorders related to hormones that produce certain conditions in children and growing young adults. Pediatric endocrinologists possess copious knowledge on hormone chemicals and how they can affect other parts of the body and their functions.</p>
36 years
Experience
Michael Wood
- Farmington Hills, Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Accepting new patients
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How is hypothyroidism detected in children?
Hello,
It is really quite straightforward. We test the level of the hormone made by the pituitary gland (TSH) that regulates the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid READ MORE
Hello,
It is really quite straightforward. We test the level of the hormone made by the pituitary gland (TSH) that regulates the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, and we also test the main hormone made by the gland (free T4). In most situations, if a child was previously healthy, and develops hypothyroidism, it is due to inflammation in the gland. That condition is called Hashimoto thyroiditis. In such a case, the free T4 will be low and the TSH will be high, as the pituitary gland is sending a signal that it is trying to push the gland to make more.
In rarer circumstances, the problem is due to a problem in the pituitary gland or the brain next to it (hypothalamus). In such a case, the free T4 is low, but the TSH is either low, normal, or just slightly high.
I hope this helps.
It is really quite straightforward. We test the level of the hormone made by the pituitary gland (TSH) that regulates the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, and we also test the main hormone made by the gland (free T4). In most situations, if a child was previously healthy, and develops hypothyroidism, it is due to inflammation in the gland. That condition is called Hashimoto thyroiditis. In such a case, the free T4 will be low and the TSH will be high, as the pituitary gland is sending a signal that it is trying to push the gland to make more.
In rarer circumstances, the problem is due to a problem in the pituitary gland or the brain next to it (hypothalamus). In such a case, the free T4 is low, but the TSH is either low, normal, or just slightly high.
I hope this helps.
