Thyroid Problems In Teens: Types, Signs, Causes & Treatment

A Doctor Examining Thyroid Problems In Teens

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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.

In This Article

Types Of Thyroid Disorders In Teenagers

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland that fails to produce the hormones adequately) is the most commonly occurring thyroid disorder in children and teens. This endocrine system disorder could be by birth or acquired; it can also be primary, which is due to malfunctioning in the gland itself or secondary where the thyroid issues could be due to pituitary or hypothalamic disease (1).

Hypothyroidism is the most commonly occurring thyroid disorder in teens

Image: Shutterstock

Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland that produces more amounts of the hormones) is not that common unless in the case of graves’ disease (1).

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 congenitalⁱA condition or trait present at birth and present from the beginning of one's life and is often inherited genetically 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 diseasesⁱDiseases in which the body’s immune system mistakes healthy cells as foreign and attacks them 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). According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately four out of five cases of hyperthyroidism in the US are caused by Grave’s disease.

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.

Dietary: When your child’s iodine requirements are not met, then the thyroid gland may not function properly, causing hypothyroidism (8).

When iodine requirements are not met, the thyroid gland may not function properly

Image: Shutterstock

Secondary hypothyroidism: This is caused due to malfunctioning of the pituitary glandⁱA tiny, pea-sized gland that is critical for controlling all other glands in the body , which is responsible for the regulation of the thyroid gland’s function (9).

Quick fact

Teenage girls are more likely to develop thyroid diseases than boys, and it can be due to factors other than sex hormones. The gender differences in teens are more evident in the early stage of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and late stages of Graves disease (19).

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

Image: Shutterstock

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 (heart palpitations)
Excessive sweating

Image: Shutterstock

Fatigue
Weight loss
Tingling sensation in the fingers
Restlessness
Bulging eyes
Menstrual irregularities such as missed period in teens
Increased urination and bowel movements
Increased sensitivity to heat or heat intolerance
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 an endocrinologist.

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.

Point to consider

A thyroid ultrasound is done in children with suspected thyroid disorders presenting asymmetry of the thyroid gland, cervical lymphadenopathy, and thyroid nodule on physical examination (20).

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).

Daily intake of iodized salt might help.

Image: Shutterstock

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I check my thyroid at home?

You can check your thyroid at home by following these steps (16):

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

2. What are the best foods to heal the thyroid?

The foods needed during thyroid problems depend on the type of the problem.

For hypothyroidism (17):

Iodine-rich foods such as fish, greek yogurt, and seaweed
AntioxidantⁱMan-made or natural substances that may prevent or slow down cell damage caused due to harmful molecules called free radicals -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

3. Does hyperthyroidism cause early puberty?

Although it is unknown how hyperthyroidism affects pubertal growth, a brief term of hyperthyroidism does not appear to produce any significant side effects (19).

4. Can thyroid issues cause behavior problems?

The thyroid hormone plays a significant role in regulation of cognition, behavior, and mood swings. Therefore, an alteration in these hormones may lead to behavioral changes. Moreover, behavioral changes can occur with or without the other classic symptoms of hypothyroidism (20).

5. Can puberty affect thyroid levels?

Some researchers have shown decreasing or constant TSH levels and a progressive reduction in the circulating thyroid hormones with ongoing puberty (21).

Thyroid problems in teens could be congenital or develop due to autoimmune diseases. Inadequate iodine intake is another prominent cause of an increase in a teen’s risk of developing thyroid, especially if they have a family history of autoimmune diseases. Thyroid can silently affect your teen’s physical and mental development. Excess weight gain in teens and poor performance at school are frequent indicators. Thus, its timely diagnosis and treatment are essential. If untreated, thyroid problems could cause adverse complications. Fortunately, timely medical intervention and healthy lifestyle changes can help teens live healthy, happy, and productive lives.

Infographic: Signs Of Hyper And Hypothyroidism In Teenage Boys And Girls

Does your child have a thyroid problem? Often health issues may go unnoticed and become a more serious problem later when the symptoms are ignored or unknown. So learn the typical signs of hyper and hypothyroidism in teenagers to take timely medical help and relieve them of the discomfort.

signs of thyroid problem in teens (infographic)

Key Pointers

Hypothyroidism is common in children and teens due to inadequate hormone production, while hyperthyroidism is rare because of excessive production.
Thyroid problems in teens can be congenital or caused by autoimmune diseases, dietary issues, or gland malfunctions.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include stunted growth, delayed puberty, brittle hair, fatigue, constipation, slow speech, and slow pulse rate.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include goiter (swelling of the thyroid gland), rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, fatigue, weight loss, and restlessness.
After testing for thyroid problems, the doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy, dietary changes, or lifestyle modifications for the child to follow.

Illustration: Thyroid Problems In Teens: Types Signs Causes & Treatment

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Learn about thyroid problems in children. Understand how to identify and treat them from this video.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Nelly Capetillo-Ventura, and Inmaculada Baeza; Psychiatric Symptoms due to Thyroid Disease in a Female Adolescent; Case Reports in Endocrinology- Hindawi
2. Maria Segni; Disorders of the Thyroid Gland in Infancy, Childhood and Adolescence; NCBI
3. Maria Cristina Vigone,Donatella Capalbo,Giovanna Weber, and Maria Carolina Salerno; Mild Hypothyroidism in Childhood: Who, When, and How Should Be Treated?; Journal of the Endocrine Society
4. Hypothyroidism; Clinical Thyroidology For The Public; American Thyroid Association
5. Olga Hardy, et al.; Hypothyroidism in Down Syndrome: Screening Guidelines and Testing Methodology; NCBI
6. Luis J.Jara, Olga Vera-Lastra, and, Gabriela Medina; Atrophic Thyroiditis; Springerlink
7. Dr Christian M. Girgis, Bernard L. Champion, and Jack R. Wall; Current Concepts in Graves’ Disease; NCBI
8. Umesh Kapil; Health Consequences of Iodine Deficiency; Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
9. Hypothyroidism Secondary; UCLA Health
10. I Kostoglou-Athanassiou, and K Ntalles; Hypothyroidism – new aspects of an old disease; Hippokratia
11. Kanshi Minamitani, et al.; Guidelines for the treatment of childhood-onset Graves’ disease in Japan, 2016; Clinical Pediatric Endocrinology
12. Laura Penta, et al.; Hashimoto’s Disease and Thyroid Cancer in Children: Are They Associated?; Frontiers In Endocrinology
13. Hanley P, Lord K, Bauer AJ; Thyroid Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A Review; NCBI
14. James Hennessey, Leonard Wartofsky; Hashimoto’s Disease; The Journal Of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
15. Creswell J Eastman, M.D. and Michael B Zimmermann; The Iodine Deficiency Disorders; NCBI
16. Thyroid Disease; Cleveland Clinic
17. Foods to avoid and adopt if suffering from hypothyroidism; K.J. Somaiya Hospital & Research Center
18. Hyperthyroidism; Mount Sinai
19. Thyroid function and puberty; National Library of Medicine
20. Hypothyroidism Presenting as Psychosis: Myxedema Madness Revisited; National Library of Medicine
21. Yvan Fleury, et al.; Sex-Dependent Variations and Timing of Thyroid Growth during Puberty; The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

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Dr. Sameh Mahmoud ShehataMS

Prof. Sameh Shehata has an experience of 37 years and was the ex-chairman of the pediatric surgery department at the faculty of medicine, University of Alexandria, Egypt, and ex-president of the IPEG Middle East chapter. He also headed the World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgery (WOFAPS).

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Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.

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Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

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