A child who has an underactive thyroid can be diagnosed with a condition called hypothyroidism. Children with this condition have unusually low blood levels of thyroid hormones, which aid in regulating metabolism. Hypothyroidism symptoms in children can be difficult to detect, but typically mimic those experienced by adults with this condition.
Poor Growth or Mental Development
Inadequate thyroid hormone levels within the body can cause poor growth or mental development in children, explain health professionals with MayoClinic.com. Affected children may be shorter in stature than their peers or can experience difficulty keeping up academically in school. Speech, learning or behavior problems can also emerge in children with hypothyroidism, according to PDRHealth. Additionally, hypothyroidism can result in delayed sexual development, or puberty, in affected children. Children who exhibit any of the symptoms of hypothyroidism should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Delayed Tooth Development
Children with hypothyroidism can experience delayed tooth development due to low thyroid hormone levels, explain medical experts with Children's Hospital Boston. Affected children may lose their baby teeth later than healthy children, which can delay the appearance of permanent teeth.
Weight Gain
Low thyroid levels in the body contribute to an unusually slow metabolism. Consequently, children with hypothyroidism can experience unintended weight gain as a symptom of this condition, despite maintaining a healthy diet, explain health professionals with Patient UK. Affected children can also exhibit an abnormally puffy or enlarged face due to weight gain or fluid retention.
Cold Sensitivity
Hypothyroidism can affect a child's response to cold temperatures, report health professionals with MayoClinic.com. Affected children may frequently complain that they are cold even when they are in a warm or temperate climate. Children with increased cold sensitivity may need to take an extra jacket or sweatshirt with them to school in order to stay warm.
Fatigue and Muscle or Joint Aches
Increased fatigue and muscle or joint aches can arise as symptoms of hypothyroidism in children, explains Patient UK. Children who experience unusual fatigue can have difficulty remaining focused while at school. Additionally, muscle or joint aches can interfere with a child's ability to participate in physical activities, such as running or dance.
Dry Skin, Hair or Nail
A child with hypothyroidism can develop unusually dry skin, hair or nails, explain MayoClinic.com health professionals. Children with dry, flaky skin may frequently scratch at the affected skin. Frequent scratching can increase a child's risk of developing a skin infection. Additionally, dry, dull hair or nails can break more easily than healthy hair or nails.
Hoarseness
Low thyroid hormone levels can contribute to hoarseness in children with this condition, explains PDRHealth. A parent or caregiver can notice that an affected child has an unusually raspy voice or has difficulty speaking loudly.
Constipation
Children with this condition can develop constipation, a symptom in which stool production is painful or difficult, reports Patient UK. Affected children can also experience abdominal cramping or pain in conjunction with constipation. Persistent or severe constipation should be discussed with a child's pediatrician as soon as possible.
