Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck and produces hormones that regulate nearly every function in your body. At MI PEDS in Livonia, Michigan, Michael Wood, M.D., a double board-certified pediatric endocrinologist, and our team diagnose and treat thyroid disorders in children and young adults.

Thyroid Q & A

What are pediatric thyroid disorders?

Young people can develop the same thyroid disorders as adults. However, since the thyroid controls so many body functions and contributes to your child’s growth and development, getting diagnosis and treatment as early as possible is critical to your child’s health.

Some of the common types of thyroid disorder include:

Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s disease)
Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ syndrome)
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid cancer

When your endocrine system functions normally, the pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which controls how much triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) your thyroid produces. If your pituitary gland produces too much or too little TSH, your thyroid doesn’t function correctly. Abnormal growths on the thyroid can also trigger hyperactivity.

What are the warning signs of a thyroid disorder?

The symptoms of thyroid disorders depend on whether the condition is causing hyper or hypoactivity. Signs of a hyperactive thyroid include:

Weight loss
Irritability
Increased sweating
Insomnia
Rapid heartbeat
Nervousness
Irregular menstrual periods

However, if your child has a hypoactive thyroid, they’re more likely to have symptoms such as:

Dry skin
Hair loss
Weight gain
Facial puffiness
Fatigue and low energy
Feeling cold
Constipation
Slow growth
Delayed sexual development
Irregular menstruation

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, make an appointment at Associated Endocrinologists right away. Having a correctly functioning thyroid is critical to your child’s development, so getting a diagnosis and starting treatment as early as possible can help your child avoid uncomfortable symptoms and health issues.

How are thyroid disorders diagnosed?

At MI PEDS, our team provides comprehensive exams and testing to diagnose and evaluate thyroid disorders. They review your child’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle while performing a physical exam to look for signs of thyroid dysfunction. The doctor also orders blood tests to assess your TSH, T3, and T4 hormone levels.

How are thyroid disorders treated?

Treatment for thyroid disorders depends on the type of disease and how it affects your child’s health. Often, hypoactive thyroids are treated with thyroid hormone therapy. Our team may prescribe medication or recommend surgery or radiation treatment for a hyperactive thyroid to regulate hormone production.