thyroid problems in children

Question

i was wondering if some could help me. what are the sign of underactive thyroid in children. i have a five year old son who i think might have thyroid issues, but im not sure. underative thyroid run in the family. in fact i have and had unteated underactive thyroid when i was pregnant with him. not by choice, but because my ob at the time wouldnt check me for it. any way he has been have development delays, especially in his speech, and behavioral problems. any information would be helpful, i dont know what to do. we saw a developmental specialist a year ago because his pediatrician thought he was showing signs for autisms, but that was ruled out and was diagnosed with anxiety problems. he still is having major problem in school and going to see the specialist again in a few weeks. thank you for your time and hope to hear from you soon.

cazbb · Answer

I am really worried about my four and half year old daughter we noticed her hair was coming out more so we took her to our dematologist and she did a blood test the results were TSH 7.5, T3 6.7 and T4 was normal. I just dont want to leave it too long to find out whats wrong, we cannot get an appointment for 3 weeks and that a private clinic. Im very nervous as i had thyroid cancer in 2007 when she was only 6 months and also it was discovered i had Hassimotos disease too. Wondering if she has been affected by me when I was pregnant, or whether its generic. So scared for her dont want it to be anything bad does anyone have any advice for now.

Thank you

magpieannie · Answer

Is the specialist a peditric endocrinologist? Anxietry can be a symptom of low thyroid for sure. Does he cry easily and does not know why? Constipation is another biggy for hypothyroid issues. Try taking his morning basal body temp under his arm pit befor he gets out of bed. Should be arond 97.8. If it is the 96 or 95 range then this is a gtood indicator also.My daghter is 10 and was born without a thyroid gland. I agree with Sally about the testing  ASAP. Low thyroid could be the problem. Good luck and God bless!

Super_sally888 · Answer

Hi,

definitely he should be tested for thyroid.

They should test TSH, FT3 and FT4.  If these are abnormal, they should also test antibodies.

If he is even borderline hypothyroid he should be treated.

Let us know how you go and even tell us the results once you get them so we can give further feedback.