Hypothyroidism in kids

Slogger Jogger

One of my kids has been just diagnosed with this aka under-active thyroid. I'm waiting for a script from the consultant so I don't know yet what drugs are needed though we've been told that as its a lifelong condition he'll need to treat it medically for life. Kind of depressing but very glad to have a clear diagnosis.

Anyone else had experience of this with kids growing up. My young lad is 9. Much appreciated.

Wyldwood

Do you mean Hypothyroid? Hyper is where the gland is overactive.

Hypo is regulated by medication which supplements the thyroid hormone, usually Eltroxin. It's started in a small dose and gradually increased until his TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is in the normal range approx 0.4 - 4, depending on the lab. Free T4 (the free level of hormone in the bloodstream) is also measured and the range for this is 12-22.
Get your son's blood results and learn to read them so that you can help him to stay at the level where he feels well. He'll need bloods done regularly until he's stable & then at least annually. Don't neglect the blood tests. Hypothyroidism is much easier to regulate than Hyper with proper care.
Your son's system is very sluggish while hypo but will improve once properly treated, it can be a slow journey.

I've had thyroid problems, both hyper and hypo since I was a teen.
There are a number of threads here on thyroid problems and lots of advice to be had from other sufferers. Hope your son feels better soon.

Slogger Jogger

Apols. Title corrected. Thanks for the feedback.

Young lad has been sluggish and generally lacking in energy, has shown reduced growth and is heavier than normal. Classic symptoms from what I've read. He hates needles too, so the drawing of blood won't be fun. Next bloods due in 2 months or so. I'm led to believe we need to go to Crumlin for that as regular GPs don't draw bloods for paediatric cases. I could be wrong there.

Slogger Jogger

Daily doses of thyroxine 75mg start tomorrow. I'll update this from time to time to share experiences.

Wyldwood

Best of luck to your son on the meds. 75mg is a high enough starting dose, usually 50, but he probably will go a lot higher in increments. Taking the tabs is no big deal as if Eltroxin they're quite small. Keep him away from soya products as they reduce thyroid absorption.

Don't expect an immediate effect it can take several weeks for full effect to kick in

Slogger Jogger

Levels are very low so 75mg tabs (a 50 plus a 25) it is.

My OH had fun trying to get the son take his meds. Swallowing tablets whole is not for some kids it seems. Got some smarties and tictacs today to practice :rolleyes:

I gather it takes a while for the meds to take effect. I can't wait for my sons energy levels to move up. I run most days and I've really love to be able to jog along with him even for a short distance through the woods where we live.

cltt97

I also think that 75 it too high a dose to start. I started on 50 and soon thereafter was put on 100 and almost keeled over (and I had a TSH>100 and was severely hypothyroid when I started). If I was you I'd put him on 25 for a couple of weeks, if he feels ok, then on 50 for a couple of weeks and then on 75. These are very powerful hormones. They can play serious havoc with the system.