The thyroid is a gland positioned towards the anterior section of the lower neck area. This gland is responsible for producing thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Both of these hormones regulate cellular energy consumption. In addition to energy regulation, thyroid hormones affect growth rate, body heat, fertility and nutrient utilization, notes the New York Times Health Guide. When the thyroid gland produces thyroxine at levels insufficient for the body's normal functions, this results in a disorder known as hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism may occur during childhood, but symptoms may vary depending on age.
Constipated Bowel Movements
Hypothyroidism can cause constipated bowel movements in infants and very young children, notes the Children's Hospital Boston. However this symptom may not be immediately apparent, explains the New York Times Health Guide.
Face and Body Appear Bloated
Children who do not receive adequate treatment for hypothyroidism may develop a bloated appearance by the time they reach adolescence, note the Children's Hospital Boston and the New York Times Health Guide.
Hoarse Vocal Sounds
Hypothyroidism can cause the vocal cords to sound hoarse and husky. Babies who manifest hypothyroidism symptoms will sound hoarse when crying or making other vocal sounds, notes the Children's Hospital Boston.
Impaired Bone and Tooth Development
Bone development in infants and young children is generally slowed by hypothyroidism, notes the Children's Hospital Boston. The disorder may also delay teeth development, notes the New York Times Health Guide.
Impaired Growth Rate
Children with hypothyroidism grow at an abnormally slow rate, notes the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. Hypothyroidism may also impede the normal development of the central nervous system. Intelligence is also generally impaired by hypothyroidism. The disorder may even delay the onset of puberty in adolescents, according to the Children's Hospital Boston.
Increase in Weight
Hypothyroidism causes weight gain in children and adolescents, notes the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. As such, obesity is often a problem for children suffering from this thyroid disorder.
Jaundice
Infants that suffer from hypothyroidism may have skin and eyes that appear yellowish, notes the New York Times Health Guide. Hypothyroidism may also cause the mucous passageways to appear jaundiced.
Loss of Hair
Hypothyroidism can cause hair to appear dry, notes the Merck Manual Online Medical Library. The disorder may also cause premature hair loss in adolescents, according to the Children's Hospital Boston.
Low Appetite
Low appetite is a common symptom of hypothyroidism in children, explains the Merck Manual Online Medical Library.
Protruding Belly
Infants may develop round, protruding bellies as a result of hypothyroidism, according to the New York Times Health Guide.
Slow Heart Rate and Pulse
The pulse and heart rate of adolescents with hypothyroidism is generally slow, notes the Children's Hospital Boston.
Speech Impediment
Hypothyroidism can also cause slow or impaired speech, explains the Children's Hospital Boston.
