What happens when your body does not produce enough T4 in early childhood?
What happens when your body does not produce enough T4 in early childhood?
If a baby doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones, it can cause serious problems such as mental disability, growth delays, or loss of hearing. The condition needs to be treated as soon as possible to lower the chance of these problems long term.
How do you feel if your T4 is low?
Symptoms of hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, include:
- Weight gain.
- Fatigue.
- Hair loss.
- Low tolerance for cold temperatures.
- Irregular menstrual periods.
- Constipation.
What is a normal T4 level for a child?
| Age | Free T4* (ng/dL) | T4 (mcg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 12 months | 0.9 to 2.3 | 7.2 to 15.7 |
| 1 to 5 years | 0.8 to 1.8 | 6.4 to 13.5 |
| 6 to 10 years | 1.0 to 2.1 | 6.0 to 12.8 |
| 11 to 18 years | 0.8 to 1.9 | 4.7 to 12.4 |
Can a 7 year old have hypothyroidism?
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothyroidism in Children About 1 out of every 4,000 babies is diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. An enlarged thyroid, known as goiter, can cause problems with breathing and swallowing. Your child’s doctor will check for this problem by feeling their neck.
What causes low T4?
Abnormally low levels of T4 may indicate: dietary issues, such as fasting, malnutrition, or an iodine deficiency. medications that affect protein levels. hypothyroidism.
Can a 6 year old have thyroid problems?
Thyroid problems can occur at any age; infants can even be born with a thyroid problem! According to the American Diabetes Association and the Pediatric Endocrine Society, parents should look for the following symptoms that may indicate problems with their child’s thyroid.
What does low thyroid mean in children?
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in which your child’s thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. A child with an underactive thyroid may experience fatigue, weight gain, constipation, decreased growth, and a host of other issues.
What causes low thyroid kids?
A child is at risk for hypothyroidism if he or she has any of these: A chromosomal disorder such as Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, or Turner syndrome. An autoimmune disorder such as type 1 diabetes or celiac disease. Not enough or too much iodine intake.
