Hyperthyroidism in children is an uncommon but serious medical condition that can significantly affect a child’s growth, behaviour, and overall well-being. Because of a lack of awareness, many families might not catch the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in kids, and can often overlook or mistake them for anxiety, attention issues, or normal growth changes. Pediatric hyperthyroidism requires early detection of the signs for proper medical treatment of your children, as soon as possible, before the condition gets worse. For families, understanding the signs, causes, and treatment options is essential to determine the next course of action or just to be aware.
This blog details hyperthyroidism in children, why symptoms like racing heartbeats and unexplained weight loss occur, and what families can do to support their child’s health, and who is the best pediatric endocrinologist for treatment.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism in children occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, and it plays a key role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, energy levels, and growth. In children, an overactive thyroid speeds up nearly every system in the body. This can affect many aspects of their growth, such as physical development, emotional regulation, academic performance, and heart health.
Pediatric hyperthyroidism is most commonly diagnosed during late childhood or adolescence, though it can occur at any age; that’s why proper awareness is necessary to identify the causes and symptoms.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Graves’ Disease
The most common reason behind childhood thyroid disorder is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the thyroid, which leads to the thyroid gland producing excess hormone.
Medication Overdose
Taking too much thyroid hormone medicine to treat the underactive thyroid can also cause hyperthyroidism. If the dosage is too high, it can cause the thyroid hormone levels to become excessively high.
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid nodules are small growths in the thyroid gland. Sometimes these nodules may produce extra thyroid hormones, requiring evaluation by a doctor to check for cancer, and if it is found, a surgery is performed to remove it.
Thyroiditis
This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and releases stored hormones into the bloodstream. This condition is usually caused by an injury or infection, but it often improves on its own over time.
Genetic Condition
This is a rare condition, but it happens when a mother who has Graves’ disease passes thyroid-stimulating antibodies to her baby during pregnancy, which can temporarily overstimulate the baby’s thyroid gland.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Kids
The symptoms of thyroid problems in children develop gradually and may be mistaken for behavioural or emotional issues. Some of the common signs are:
Physical Symptoms
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Unexplained weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Poor heat intolerance
- Tremors in hands
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Raised blood pressure
- Increased bowel movements
Behavioural and Emotional Symptoms
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
Growth-Related Symptoms
- Accelerated growth or early puberty in boys
- Delayed puberty or menstrual irregularities in girls
Knowing these symptoms is essential for recognising them as soon as possible for early and proper treatment to avoid long-term complications in children and taking control of the disorder before it gets more serious. If you notice the above mentioned signs in your child, it is crucial to reach out to the best pediatric endocrine specialist.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment in Children
There are many treatments available for hyperthyroidism, but which treatment is prescribed to your child depends on the cause, severity and age of your kid. The end goal is to bring the thyroid hormones back to their normal levels safely. Given below are the different types of treatments that are offered.
Anti-Thyroid Medications
These medications are used to reduce hormone production and are often the first line of treatment for pediatric thyroid disease. These medicines are usually taken for at least 2 years. Even after stopping medicine, hyperthyroidism can return, so regular checkups are important.
Beta-Blockers
Beta blockers are also prescribed to temporarily control symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and tremors until hormone levels return to normal. These medications have side effects like skin rashes, muscle pain or liver problems, which need to be reported to the doctor.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Used in selected cases, typically in older children or adolescents, this is a permanent treatment that works by shrinking the thyroid gland and reducing hormone production. The radioactive iodine is absorbed only by the thyroid and does not harm other parts of the body.
Thyroidectomy Surgery
Thyroid surgery may be recommended if medications are ineffective or if nodules are present. This surgery is performed to remove a part or all of the thyroid gland, depending on the child’s condition. After surgery, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement medicine may be needed.
Full Family Support
Managing childhood endocrine disorders is a family effort. Ensure medications are taken consistently, attend all follow-up appointments, communicate openly with kids and teachers, offer emotional reassurance and patience, as it reduces fear and improves outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Having your children get diagnosed with hyperthyroidism can be frightening for families, but understanding the condition, its causes and signs empowers parents to make confident and well-informed decisions for the best of their child. With medical care, family support, and ongoing monitoring, children with pediatric hyperthyroidism can thrive and lead full, active lives.
Reach out to Dr Ashish Malpani the best pediatric endocrinologist in Dubai, who specialises in children’s health, so that you can get experienced guidance and your children can get better as soon as possible.