Hypothyroidism affects children just like it affects adults. Unfortunately it is often misdiagnosed in children because it is so rare. Most doctors do not check for the disorder except when the child is a newborn.

The consequences of children having hypothyroidism is much more dire than that of adults. A child's brain is not fully developed causing the lack of thyroid hormone to affect their physical growth as well as mental growth. The key to preventing extreme side effects in children is making sure that you recognize the symptoms and seek care for them immediately. It is also important that you be advocate for your child. If you believe that your child has hypothyroidism, ask your doctor to do a test.

The thyroid gland is controls many systems in the body, it is located in the front of throat. Some of the things it can effect are heart rate, menstrual cycle, cholesterol, vision, strength, and mental state, as well as many other functions.

In children, it is important to look out for a bulging in the throat. This would show an enlargement of the thyroid gland. It is difficult to diagnose a child under 2 years of age. Some symptoms they may present are trouble feeding, increased sleepiness and poor muscle tone.

Older children can exhibit numerous other symptoms. Those symptoms include an increased sensitivity to cold, tiredness, constipation, a hoarse voice, poor mental development, slow development of permanent teeth. Some other symptoms are a horse voice, a puffy face, loss of appetite, growth changes, depression. Pain or stiffness in joints, and frequent choking.
Most of these symptoms could indicate something else so it is important to tell your doctor if your child is considered to be at risk.

There are risk factors that help to determine if a child is more likely to have hypothyroidism. One such risk factor is if a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent has the disorder.

Diagnoses and treatment today is fairly simple. If it is suspected that a child has hypothyroidism, a simple blood test is administered. If the test comes back positive, a doctor will place the child on a synthetic thyroid tablet. The doctor may also place the child on hormone treatment if their growth is stunted. This helps the child become more like their peers.

If a child goes untreated, mental retardation would likely occur. The child's physical growth will also be affected. It is imperative that early treatment is sought so that the horrible side effects can be kept at bay. The symptoms caused by hypothyroidism set children back mentally and physically.

It is critical that children get tested frequently, especially if they are exhibiting symptoms or if they are at risk. Without testing and proper treatment, children are likely to suffer from lifelong problems. However, if the disorder is caught early and treated consistently, most children will not have any lasting effects.

Often, the symptoms of hypothyroidism indicate to doctors that it could be something else. It is quite possible that if your child has the symptoms mentioned above, your doctor will assume it is something else entirely. It may well be something else, but isn't it worth it to at least rule out hypothyroidism with a simple blood test?