“How is hypothyroidism detected in children?”

With proper blood test just like adults

Hypothyroidism is detected through a careful history, examination, and lab testing. Labs obtained usually include a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and total or free T4 (thyroxine). An elevated TSH along with a low T4 level supports a diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

A simple blood draw for basic thyroid function tests is usually adequate to detect hypothyroidism. Discuss your concern with your primary care provider. For deeper discussion, consult with a pediatric endocrinologist.

Please take her as soon as possible to your primary care doctor and he will do the appropriate test.

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.

Thyroid disease is detected the same way in children & adults. 1) see a physician and explain the symptoms. The Physician should then palpate the thyroid gland area for enlargement, nodules or tumors. If found then ultrasound or a radioactive iodine scan may be needed. 2) if no masses or nodules found the blood test of thyroid & pituitary function is needed ( Free T4 & TSH). If the gland is enlarged the physician may also want to measure thyroid antibodies to rule out or confirm Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an auto-immune disease that tries to destroy the gland. This is the most common cause of thyroid disease in children & needs treatment which is simple-a pill once a day. So see a Dr. preferably a Pediatric Endocrinologist.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone deficiency can lead to poor growth, low energy level, fatigue, dry skin, constipation, irregular periods, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss, joint pain, poor memory, depression etcetera. In America it is mostly caused by an autoimmune process called Hashimatos thyroiditis. There are also other caused of hypothyroid such as iodine deficiency, after surgical removal or ablation of the thyroid for various reasons, hypopitiutarism, pregnancy, medications, congenital thyroid problems, etcetera. Hypothyroidism can emerge slowly from few months to many years.
Hypothyroidism is more common in females than males and is more common in the older age.
If hypothyroidism is left untreated it can lead to growth failure, abnormal period, heart problems, depression, chronic fatigue, joint pain, hair loss and many other medical issues.
Hypothyroidism can be suspected from clinical presentation. But is mainly diagnosed by laboratory results showing low thyroid hormone levels.
An imaging study may be necessary if there is a suspicion of a thyroid nodule/s. However laboratory demonstration of low thyroid hormone level is necessary to establish the diagnosis of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism should be treated properly and promptly.
Good luck.