The thyroid is a gland in the neck that makes the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) can cause problems with growth and development, but it can be treated if it’s found early.
Symptoms
Late symptoms in newborns (neonatal hypothyroidism):
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
Hoarse cry
Poor appetite
Umbilical hernia (navel protrudes out)
Constipation
Slow bone growth
Childhood (juvenile hypothyroidism) and adolescent (adolescent hypothyroidism) symptoms:
Slow growth
Delayed tooth development
Tiredness
Feeling cold
Constipation
Slow growth
Delayed puberty
Hoarse voice
Slow speech
Droopy eyelids
Puffy and swollen face
Hair loss
Dry skin
Slow pulse
Weight gain (modest, no more than 5-10 lbs)
Preventive service at no cost
All newborns are tested at birth.
Why screening is important
Most infants at birth will show no clinical symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels. Hypothyroidism in the newborn, when left untreated, can lead to intellectual disability and profound developmental delays.
What the screening is
Most newborn screening tests use a few drops of blood taken from the heel of your baby’s foot. The same sample of blood can be used to test for many different diseases.
Treatment
Treatment may include prescription of thyroid hormones to replace the deficient hormones. Some children will require hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives, while others appear to outgrow the disorder, often by the age of three. Your child’s pediatrician will conduct regular monitoring.
