Thyroid problems in teens can adversely affect their physical and mental development. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that secretes thyroid hormones to regulate metabolism and growth. It is also linked to cardiac and other vital organ functions. Thyroid malfunctions can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Both these conditions can affect normal bodily functions. Although hypothyroidism is less common in teens than adults, some may develop it due to an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose thyroid disorders early and treat them accordingly. Read on to know the cause, symptoms, complications, treatment, and prevention of thyroid problems in teens.
Types Of Thyroid Disorders In Teenagers
Based on the cause, this disorder could be transient or permanent. So, what could cause thyroid disorders in teenagers?
Possible Causes For Thyroid Problems In Teenagers
Thyroid problems in teens could be due to various reasons, some of which are discussed next.
1. Congenital
Children who are born prematurely, with a low-birth-weight or with down syndrome, could be at a higher risk of having congenital thyroid disorders (2). Sometimes, maternal autoimmune diseases might also cause hypothyroidism in the baby (3). These could be the reasons for children to develop thyroid problems at birth, which might continue into puberty.
2. Autoimmune diseases
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Atrophic thyroiditis are autoimmune diseases where the body’s antibodies attack the thyroid gland and destroy it. This causes malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism during puberty. (4) (5) (6).
Graves’ disease is also an autoimmune disease that could cause hyperthyroidism in teenagers. It results from antibodies that bind to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors, resulting in excess production of thyroid hormones to cause hyperthyroidism (7).
Children who have a family history of autoimmune diseases might be at a higher risk of developing it. Also, it is found to be more predominant in girls than in boys.
Signs and Symptoms Of Thyroid Problems In Teenage Boys And Girls
Most symptoms of thyroid problems in teenagers occur gradually and are often hard to diagnose. The absence of goiter (thyroid enlargemnt) in case of hypothyroidism makes it even more difficult to detect it. Look out for the following symptoms (if they are not already diagnosed with congenital thyroiditis) that the child may experience during puberty, to determine if they have a thyroid issue:
Hypothyroidism
Slow growth, especially stunted height Delayed puberty Brittle and dry hair Fatigue Sensitivity towards cold Hoarse voice Dry skin
Forgetfulness Weight gain Slow speech Constipation Irregular and or heavy menstrual periods Depression Droopy eyelids Slow pulse rate Hair loss, fallen hair found on the hairbrush, pillow, and bathroom (10)
Hyperthyroidism
Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) Rapid heart rate Excessive sweating
Fatigue Weight loss Tingling sensation in the fingers Restlessness Bulging eyes Menstrual irregularities Increased urination and bowel movements Increased sensitivity to heat Poor performance at school (11)
When To See A Doctor?
Symptoms of thyroid issues in children are often subtle and might go unnoticed, which is why it is necessary to monitor your child’s physical development and overall wellbeing as they enter teenage years and attain puberty. Stunted growth, especially the height, and delay in attaining puberty or the appearance of its signs, are the two most important signs of thyroid problems in teenagers. Additionally, if you find other symptoms listed above, then it is best to see a doctor.
Diagnosis Of Thyroid Problems
Your child’s doctor would do a physical examination of the neck and question your child’s medical history. Blood tests may be done to estimate the levels of
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Triiodothyronine (T3) Thyroxine (T4)
Sometimes, a US scan or an X-ray of the neck could also be done to understand the cause. Early diagnosis is essential to start treatment and avoid any complications.
Complications Of Thyroid Disorders In Children
If left untreated, thyroid malfunctioning can lead to:
Problems in growth and development during puberty Fertility issues later in life A high risk of developing heart diseases
Studies stated that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in children might be associated with the development of thyroid cancers (12).
Treatment For Thyroid Disorders In Children
Early identification and treatment of thyroid disorders might help regulate the growth and development of the child (13). The primary goal of the treatment is to correct the levels of thyroid hormones and restore growth and development in the child. However, the course of treatment for thyroid disorders depends on the underlying cause.
If your child’s thyroid issues are due to reduced function, then your doctor might prescribe hormone replacement therapy, where daily pills of synthetic thyroid hormones are given. The child may have to take this medication every day for the rest of life (14).
If your child’s thyroid problems are due to iodine deficiency, then a daily intake of iodized salt might help in restoring the levels of thyroid hormones (15).
Rarely, but in extreme cases, radioactive iodine or surgery may be considered to remove the gland in case of hyperfunction.
In some cases, it may be indicated to remove part or whole of the thyroid gland by surgery.
Locate your thyroid between the collarbones and Adam’s apple Keep looking at the targeted space of your neck through a mirror while tilting your head back Take a sip of water in this position and observe the thyroid for any lumps or bumps while gulping the water
For hypothyroidism (17):
Iodine-rich foods such as fish, greek yogurt, and seaweed Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables Selenium-rich foods such as nuts and eggs
For hyperthyroidism (18):
Vitamin B and iron-rich foods Antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, cherries, bell peppers
