Congenital hypothyroidism: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits in the neck. It makes a hormone called thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is critical for the maintenance of body’s metabolism, brain development, growth, and thermoregulation.

Hypothyroidism refers to insufficient thyroid hormone in the blood coming from the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland becomes underactive in this condition.

Congenital hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which a baby is born without the ability to make normal amounts of thyroid hormone. Often, it requires lifelong treatment.

What are the causes of congenital hypothyroidism?

• Thyroid gland does not develop properly

• Thyroid gland is too small or missing

• Thyroid gland ends up in the wrong part of the neck

• Thyroid gland is not getting the correct signal from the pituitary gland

What are the symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism?

• Symptoms might be subtle or absent

• Poor feeding and inability to gain weight

• Protuberant belly

• Jaundice (yellow skin)

• Muscle weakness

• Constipation

• Excessive sleepiness

How is congenital hypothyroidism treated?

Congenital hypothyroidism is treated by replacing the missing thyroid hormone in the form of a pill called levothyroxine. This medicine is given once a day. It is not bitter and can be crushed and mixed in a small amount of water or milk.

Regular monitoring of growth; and thyroid hormone levels with blood tests is recommended. Doing this ensures that the baby will have normal growth and development.

Call Dr. Nidhi Gupta at 615-857-5110 to discuss your concerns, at no obligations. Dr. Gupta has been practicing endocrinology for over a decade now and takes pride in providing comprehensive, patient-centric care in her private practice, KAP Pediatric Endocrinology, in Franklin, TN.