Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are vital for numerous bodily functions. For children born with congenital hypothyroidism, a lack of thyroid hormones requires ongoing treatment to support metabolism and regulate body temperature.
Improper development of the thyroid gland is a leading cause of congenital hypothyroidism, which means that the condition is present from birth. In some cases, the gland may have developed properly but still fails to produce the proper number of hormones to support bodily functions. This often occurs when parents experience similar issues with hormone production.
Symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism often include:
Without the proper treatment, these effects can cause more serious medical complications. Children with congenital hypothyroidism can also develop lasting mental disabilities, which highlights the importance of timely medical care.
Congenital hypothyroidism is often discovered before symptoms ever present thanks to newborn screenings conducted within the hospital after the birth of a child. This screening and testing allow doctors to treat the condition immediately, which can reduce the chances of complications.
When treatment is necessary, doctors will provide hormones to supplement what is not being produced by the thyroid. Because thyroid dysfunction will persist into adulthood, children must remain on hormone therapy for life. Additionally, follow-up visits with doctors are a must to ensure the therapy is still having the intended effect.