Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Thyroid issues are fairly common in adults, but many people are surprised to learn that they can occur in children, adolescents, and teens, too. If you suspect a possible thyroid issue in your child, learning more about these conditions can help you prepare for a visit with one of our specialists. Here, we cover some of the most important basics about children’s thyroid issues.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. As part of the endocrine system, it creates hormones which regulate many bodily functions, which include regulating metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and growth and development, among others.” The health of your thyroid is therefore important to overall wellness at any age, but especially throughout the growth and development phases of childhood.
Two of the most common children’s thyroid issues are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In cases of hypothyroidism, the gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones, whereas hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland produces an excess of the same hormones. In many cases, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have underlying causes, such as autoimmune diseases.
Other less common thyroid conditions in children are nodules, or lumps that form on the gland, and thyroid cancer. (Note that thyroid cancer is rare in children, but when it does occur, treatment almost always yields excellent survival outcomes.) Any of these disorders can affect a child’s health and growth, which is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.
The type of symptoms children experience will depend on the type of thyroid issue they have:
While these conditions are mostly characterized by opposite effects, some of their symptoms do overlap. For example, if you have a teen or adolescent who has gotten their period, they may also experience irregular menstrual cycles with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Both conditions can also lead to difficulty concentrating and weight changes.
If your child is diagnosed with a thyroid condition, there are treatment plans available to control their symptoms. In cases of inadequate thyroid hormone production, hormone treatment may be prescribed to maintain steady levels in your child’s body. For hyperthyroidism, treatment often involves antithyroid medication to block the excess production of hormones. Some patients will also receive additional treatment for the root condition causing the thyroid issue.
In certain cases, surgery may also be recommended to remove any growths on the thyroid, or part of the gland itself. Removal of the entire thyroid is usually reserved for cases of severe hyperthyroidism, or when children don’t respond to medication or cannot tolerate its side effects.
Navigating childhood illnesses can be complex and overwhelming, but knowing that your child’s health is in the best hands can help put you at ease. SouthCoast Health’s network of providers comprises medical experts who are well-versed in a broad range of conditions. For a referral to a pediatric endocrinologist for your child, request an appointment online with one of our pediatricians or by calling 912.691.3600.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
