Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This condition is usually caused by an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid gland removal or medications that decrease thyroid hormone levels. Anyone can develop hypothyroidism, but it primarily occurs in females over the age of 50, according to MayoClinic.com. Hypothyroid problems can impair a child's mental function, physical growth and development.
Impaired Mental Function
Children who have hypothyroidism may experience a low IQ, attention problems and/or impaired speech, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Children under 2 years old may experience mental retardation, and children of any age may miss important developmental milestones. Mental retardation may be unavoidable if the condition is diagnosed between 2 months and 2 years old, according to KidsGrowth.com. The threat of mental retardation seems to lessen for children over 2 years old, but other complications, such as slow physical growth and delayed eruption of baby teeth, may arise later. Children who are diagnosed and treated within the first month of life have the best chance for normal mental development.
Dry Skin and Abnormal Hair Growth
Children with hypothyroidism may experience dry skin and abnormal hair growth, according to KidsGrowth.com. Young children with hypothyroidism may exhibit puffy facial features and a swollen tongue, while older children may experience dry, flaky skin and inflammation around the eyes. In addition, infants, toddlers and young children with the condition may develop thick, coarse hear that grows closer to their forehead, while older children may develop thin, dry hair that covers their entire body.
Delayed Growth and Short Stature
Children with hypothyroid problems risk slow physical growth due to a growth hormone deficiency. These children may not grow as tall as other children in their age group because their thyroid gland does not produce the hormones needed to support normal bone growth, according to the website KidsHealth; however, children with hypothyroid problems may continue to gain weight even when experiencing delayed physical growth. They may also develop abnormally short fingers and toes in relation to their peers. Thyroid replacement pills are normally given to older children who are not growing at the normal rate, but if the pills fail to work, growth hormone injections may be administered to accelerate growth and physical development.
Delayed Eruption of Baby Teeth
Children with hypothyroid problems may have a delay in losing baby teeth. Children with hypothyroidism tend to retain their baby teeth longer than other children in their age group. In addition, teeth may decay earlier in children with thyroid problems than in children without the condition, according to the website Online-Health-Doctor.com.
