Thyroid Problem in a 4 Yr Old

Updated on March 22, 2010
T.W. asks from Dayton, OH
8 answers

ok, I have looked and looked on the internet for something that will give me a little more information on Thyroid problems in younger children. Nothing....other than it is rare. My story from the beginning is... about a yr ago my 4 yr old grandson started having underarm odor like a grown man and darker hairs coming in on his legs. We took him to his Ped, they were worried about his thyroid, and that it was throwing him into puberty WAY to early. Blood work showed his thyroid levels were fine, they said it might just be overactive glands.
One year later.... My (4yr) grandson is sitting across from me at the table. We had family over visiting and he was spending the day with us. I noticed he was quieter than usual, I tried talking to him and he would only shake his head up or down to questions. Looking at him he seemed in a daze, or drugged.. way out there. he would not eat for me and he started drooling. I called his mother (my daughter) to find out if he had been sick recently or acting funny? She said other than a small cold, no. I told her to really watch him when I brought him home, and if it gets worse take him to the hospital. Once home, the drooling got worse, and he wouldn't talk. So she took him to the ER. After some tests, xrays and such, they found his Thyroid so enlarged it was pushing his trachea off to the side. Now he has to see a Endocrinologist and will probably have to have it removed. Anyone seen this before in a child so young? Please, any info would be great.

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M.B.

answers from Dayton on

I've never dealt with thyroid issues in someone so young, but I can tell you that people do fine on long term use of thyroid medication. My mother had to have her thyroid removed 30 years ago and has taken medication since - every once in a while she gets a blood test and may have to adjust the dose, but there are no daily implications except for taking a pill each morning. It may be different in children, but definitly doable. Your grandson will be in my prayers.

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K.I.

answers from Indianapolis on

Our daughter was diagnosed with hashimotos disease when the was 6 years old. I myself have Graves disease and have had my throid removed chemically. We both see an endocrinologist along with my son who has pituitary gland problems. I think your grandson will do well and feel much better once they get this under control. It takes time but it will get better. Email me if you need any support. ____@____.com

E.S.

answers from Fort Collins on

My mother had thyroid issues as young child. It made her very overweight. She had to take medication for it for some time and things leveled out eventually (she no longer took medication for it as an adult). She did not have it removed.

I am sorry I don't have more information to offer you. Because it sounds so serious in your grandson, I would be sure to get a 2nd opinion. Good luck! My thoughts are with you and your family!

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R.H.

answers from Indianapolis on

i suggest you see a naturopath, natural health doctor, osteopath or chinese medicine doctor and use natural ways of healing before the allopathic doctors pump the child with toxic prescriptions that he may have to take for the rest of his life with horrible side effects. peace

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S.K.

answers from Toledo on

My mother had a goiter when she was 10years old and had to have it removed. She has been on thyroid pills once a day since she was 13. She is now 79 years young! Maybe if you look up goiter you may get more answers...Best of luck! I hope by now your physician has educated you on what may be the problem

N.V.

answers from Columbus on

We've been able to help many people with thyroid issues through nutrition with my company. I don't know what this will do for your grandson; all I know is that some people who had severe thyroid issues no longer have to deal with them anymore, and are able to be medication-free.
Worth contacting me and getting some information.
Blessings for our little guy!

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D.B.

answers from Dallas on

My knowledge is limited and based on my own thyroid issues as a young adult. However, I do know that people get their thyroid removed all the time (not as young as your grandson). These people take synthroid every morning for the rest of their lives. Synthroid is safe during pregnancy so I would assume safe for a young child too. I agree that a endocrinologist would be your best option. I take synthroid because my thyroid is shutting down. Synthroid (or any other thyroid medicine) is very reasonably priced and had a generic.

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N.H.

answers from Dayton on

I had to have my thyroid removed when I was 21 (Hashimoto Thyroiditis). Probably had problems younger but it was never caught. The endocrinologist can be a big source of info for you and your daughter. The surgery is not so bad. If he has the surgery relatively soon, he probably won't even remember it in the future. I have done quite a bit of reading and research in thyroid problems and have found a couple of useful websites. The first if www.thyroid.about.com. The other is www.thyroid-info.com - it is from a women by the name of Mary Shomon. She has thyroid disease, has written numerous books and updates her website/newsletter daily. I think there is contact information on her website where you could probably contact her for help with pediatric information. Remember, thyroid disease is manageable but it will take some work and keeping a close eye on blood levels. I wish you all the best and will keep you all in my prayers.

N.

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