Child diagnosed with hypothyroidism

[figster]

Hello,

My daughter who is 9 years old has just been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I am really shocked because she has no obvious symptoms other than her growth has slowed a bit, which we thought might be connected to her use of inhaled steroids for asthma.

Has anyone else got a child with an underactive thyroid? I would love to connect with people who have been on a similar journey. I would also like to see a good paediatric endocrinologist if anyone has any suggestions please.

Thank you so much for reading this post. I would be very grateful for any advice and support you might offer.

[helvella Administrator]

That's difficult for you and her. But, if she does get the best treatment, everything could work out well.

This blog might be of some help (not much, I'm afraid).

helvella - Paediatric Reference Intervals

Discussion of the importance of using paediatric reference intervals for interpreting laboratory test results.

helvella.blogspot.com/p/hel...

[figster in reply to helvella]

thank you so much for responding. I’m feeling very alone.

[helvella Administrator in reply to figster]

I'd hoped that by the time I came back, you'd have received quite a few replies.

[figster in reply to helvella]

Thank you. I was hoping for the same helvella! There must be other parents out there going through a similar thing.

[Agitator23]

Sorry to hear your daughter has hypothroidism. Does she have any pituitary issues? Other low hormones? It would be good to get a full hormone panel done. Hopefully, that's the doctor's next step.

[figster in reply to Agitator23]

Thank you for replying to me. I’m hoping that the doctor will arrange a full hormone panel. I guess I could have it done privately if I need to. I am concerned that this might have been triggered by her fairly recent use of an inhaled steroid for asthma. I don’t really believe in coincidences and it is the only thing that has changed in the last year.

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

Brilliant to read how you are advocating for your daughter, there certainly are people here who experienced childhood hypothyroidism and can relate.

There have definitely been discussions regarding children on the past. The search function in Health Unlocked is woeful but it’s worth reading the threads on old conversations if you persevere.

As mentioned, full testing not just TSH. Test vitamins too. Test for autoimmune conditions as well. Ask about pituitary. Share results and the collective knowledge will flood in.

Consider seeing an expert nutritionist with thyroid experience too as well as endo.

Steel yourself for meeting medical experts who know less than you do.

🌱

[helvella Administrator in reply to Regenallotment]

Search really is rubbish. But I'll add a couple:

Search for pediatric

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Search for paediatric

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[figster in reply to helvella]

Thank you so much. I will have a good readx

[figster in reply to Regenallotment]

Thank you. It’s absolutely blindsided me. I think you are completely right about taking both a conventional and holistic approach to this. I suspect that her ferritin and iron levels are low. She is a very selective eater. My gut instinct is that the steroid inhalers have triggered this but the consultant told me that the chances of this are vanishingly small and I am clutching at straws! I am insisting on an inhaler change anyway, as it won’t hurt to rule it out. I am touched by your kindness and the incredible knowledge of this group. I will share test results as they come in. Thank you.x

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

Just a thought… have you been tested? Or do you already have a diagnosis?

[figster in reply to Regenallotment]

I already have a diagnosis! It runs in the family but I am surprised that it has shown itself at such a very tender age. Thank you for your concern and positive suggestions.