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By Loraine Roane


Many people are aware of the symptoms of hypothyroidism in adults. In fact, the problem can usually be diagnosed with a blood test, and often times it only takes medication to correct the condition. However, hypothyroidism can also affect children and teenagers, and your Dallas thyroid doctor is there with professional help.

Sometimes newborn babies can be affected by hypothyroidism. This condition is caused when the thyroid gland cannot produce sufficient hormones. This can sometimes cause newborns to be yellow or jaundiced. Although this condition is common and not always hypothyroidism, it can be, and the child should be checked.

Hypothyroid babies may have trouble eating and drinking and may choke frequently. Plus, these babies may have protruding tongues along with puffy faces. Hypothyroidism can affect a baby's digestion and cause constipation. Sleepiness is also a symptom as is loss of muscle tone. This problem can be serious if not treated and can lead to mental retardation and other complications.

Some adolescents may have hypothyroidism and exhibit the same symptoms as grownups. However, they also might have problems with physical or mental development. For example, your child may not be growing or could be experiencing learning problems in school. Perhaps he or she has not reached puberty when expected. These problems can be from hypothyroidism.

Do you have problems with elevated levels of cholesterol? Do you feel tired and cold most of the time and seem to have no energy anymore? Hypothyroidism can cause these problems and if untreated you could be taking cholesterol medication needlessly. In fact, some cholesterol drugs may increase your hypothyroid symptoms.

Hypothyroidism is usually easily treated but you have to seek out medical help. This is especially important if you think a child has a problem. Your endocrinologist has a great deal of experience with these types of medical problems and is there to provide safe solutions for you and your family.




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