Children with Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can affect infants and children just like it affects adults. It is estimated that 1 in 3,000 children are born with hypothyroidism in the United States.

Hypothyroidism usually plagues women over 50, but unfortunately it can develop in anyone, including infants, children and teens. If a family member has hypothyroidism a child has a greater risk of having it.

What is Your Thyroid Gland and its functions?

The thyroid gland controls many of your body�s systems, much like a thermostat controls the temperature of your home. The thyroid gland controls heart rate, cholesterol levels, weight, vision, muscle strength, menstrual cycle, mental state and many activities your body performs daily.

If a person has hypothyroidism it means that the thyroid gland is not functioning enough, as opposed to hyperthyroidism which is when your thyroid gland is over working. The thyroid gland is located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam�s apple. In a person with hypothyroidism the thyroid gland may protrude, this is called a goiter.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Diagnosing hypothyroidism in children under the age of 2 may be harder then in an older child, but a big indicator may be a tapering off or halting of the child�s growth. Infants may have trouble feeding, poor muscle tone and excessive sleepiness.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

An increased sensitivity to cold
Fatigue
Constipation
A hoarse voice
Difficulty swallowing
Forgetfulness
A puffy face
Mood swings
Unexplained weight gain
Decreased appetite
Pain, stiffness or swelling in joints
Growth changes, mainly in height and growth
Depression
Early or late sexual development
Frequent choking
A large, protruding tongue
Yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes
Delayed development of permanent teeth
Poor mental development

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

If you suspect that your child may have hypothyroidism, a simple blood test can be taken. If your child does have hypothyroidism the treatment is a synthetic thyroid treatment which comes in pill form and is taken once daily.

This medication will be taken until noticeable improvements are measured. Blood work will have to be done on a regular basis to help the doctor prescribe the correct dosage of medication. If your child has fallen behind in growth, they will usually catch up once they have started hormone treatment.

Natural Supplement for Thyroid - Thyax

Thyax is a high-potency supplement, designed to adjust the metabolic and nutritional alterations caused by underactive thyroid disease, or hypothyroidism. Thyax can be used to reset the balance of nutrients utilized by the thyroid gland.

By providing your body with specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support the thyroid, you regain a balance of the many thyroid-related chemical reactions which take place in the body on a daily basis.

Thyax can be given to children as well who have hypothyroidism, but we do recommend that you discuss this with your child�s doctor first. Thyax can be given in addition to their synthetic thyroid treatment.

The dosage for a child under 12 is 2 capsules a day, 1 with breakfast and 1 with dinner. Children 12 and over can take a full dose which is 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 capsules with dinner. Children under 6 should not take Thyax.

To learn more about Thyax, click here.