As children grow and develop, there is an extensive network of hormones and body systems that drives the growth and works to create an environment conducive to development. One hormone, TSH, can cause havoc on children if it doesn't do its job properly, as it is a vital part of the endocrine system.
TSH
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library defines thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH, as a hormone that is responsible for regulating the structure and function of the thyroid gland. It also helps stimulate synthesis and the release of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system and works to regulate metabolism, which is how the body works on food to convert it to energy. When there is too little thyroid hormone, the hypothalamus secretes TSH Releasing Hormone or TRH, which signals the thyroid to then produce TSH to bring the levels back up to normal.
Hypothyroidism
According to Children's Hospital Boston, when the thyroid is underactive and doesn't produce enough of the thyroid hormones, it results in a condition called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid disorder, but parents need to be aware that the symptoms in children present differently than those in adults, and if left undiagnosed in infants, it can lead to mental retardation. In children, hypothyroidism may be displayed in slow growth, possibly short arms and legs, delayed tooth growth, delayed puberty, weight gain, droopy eyelids or a slow pulse.
TSH can play a role in two different ways when it comes to hypothyroidism. According to KidsHealth, if there is not enough thyroid hormone being produced, the pituitary gland makes more TSH to try to stimulate thyroid hormone production. However, if the pituitary gland is not functioning as it should be, it may produce too little TSH, which can also result in hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism
Children's Hospital Boston defines hyperthyroidism as a condition where the body produces too much thyroid hormone. This particular condition is rare in children, but can occur and should be monitored. In infants, hyperthyroidism can be caused by mothers who have Graves disease and who pass it on to their children. Symptoms can include inability to gain weight, high blood pressure, bulging eyes and difficulty breathing because of a goiter pressing on the windpipe.
Test
A common test exists to evaluate how the thyroid is functioning and to measure the level of TSH in children. KidsHealth describes the test as a simple blood test where blood is taken from a vein in the arm or, when testing an infant, from the heel. Children will most likely just feel a slight pinprick during the test. The sample is then examined by a machine to see if the TSH level is high or low. The test does not determine the cause of a high or low level, rather it just gives the level of the TSH.
Considerations
Some infants may be born with an abnormal thyroid level that eventually levels off and returns to a normal on its own. This is called transient hypothyroidism and does not require long-term treatment. When hypothyroidism is present, treatment normally consists of prescription hormones to replace what the body isn't producing. In infants with hyperthyroidism, treatment may include medicines to block the overproduction of hormones.
