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hypothyroidism

Hi- My 12 year old daughter has been recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  She is on the petite side, very thin and extremely active in many sports.  They had a local health fair in my town and she had a blood test done.  First her TSH level was 27, then 2 weeks later it was 12.8 and 4 weeks after original blood test TSH level was 8.8. At least the levels are coming down. I took her to an adult endocrinologist and was given the prescription for synthroid.  I have not put her on the medication yet. Her bone age x ray showed her being 9 months behind. I have changed her diet (no more broccoli type foods), given her different vitamins (I took her to a nutritionist)  and tried to lower her after school activities. She will have another blood test this week to see her levels. She has been a bit tired, emotional and has puffy eyes every morning. A lot of 7th grade preteen girls her age are a bit emotional so I am trying to put this in perspective.  My daughter is a very good student, a competitive athlete, ballerina, hockey player and flyer for the cheerleading team.  She has been having a bit a problems with math, which is normally her best subject.   I have not been able to see a pediatric endocrinologist.  The endocrinologist is consulting with the pediatric one 7 hours away.  There are not pediatric doctors in the 6 hour radius of where I live. I am a bit overwhelmed because of the reading material I have read on the internet.  I am very worried for her future.  Is she going to be a heavy set woman?  Is she always going to have to worry about her weight and getting pregnant?  I live in a rural community and I don't know of anyone's child having this problem. I wish I had someone to talk to because I am so worried.  I could not find a pediatric support group on the internet, but I am sure there is one.  Thanks for your help.
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Avatar universal
There must be a better way to describe ourselves.  LOL
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Avatar universal
Did your daughter's doctor test FREE T3 and FREE T4 as well as TSH?  TSH is a pituitary hormone, which can be affected by many factors besides thyroid hormone levels.  FT3 and FT4 are the actual thyroid hormones, and their levels give a much more complete thyroid profile.

If you have FT3 and FT4 results, please post them along with reference ranges, which vary lab to lab and are age-adjusted for children.  

The stories you read about inability to lose weight, infertility, etc. most often result from undermedication.  If you learn all there is to learn about hypothyroidism and make sure that your doctor treats symptoms, rather than numbers, there's no reason your daughter can't have an absolutely normal life.  Remember that people who are satisfied with their treatment and who feel well don't usually participate in forums.  So, you only hear from us...the bottom of the barrel!
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Avatar universal
I have hypo and I am so thankful for my meds my tsh was at 68. The hardest part was having my family think my symptoms were over exaggerated. When I finaly had my first blood test I was relived. I had spent so much time feeling like I was crazy. Try not to take her symptoms to light even though it is hard because teenagers can be over the top. My tsh was very high but my doctor assured me with proper treatment and healthy diet and exersize I should be just fine. He also said after my levels were corrected I should have no problem with fertility . I know everyone is diffrent and I wish u the best of luck
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