Patient's question:
I am the mother of a child with a disease. I myself am a hypothyroidism patient. The doctor considered that I might have Hashimoto's thyroiditis with hypothyroidism and have been taking (Levothyroxine) ever since. After my thyroid function was regulated to normal, I got pregnant (I was very surprised at the time, as I had been trying to conceive for two years without success, and the doctor also said that hypothyroidism makes it difficult to get pregnant). After consulting the doctor, I continued to take and had my thyroid function checked every month, which has always been within the normal range. When the child was three years old, the thyroid function test was still normal. At that time, I thought that since the child was already three, everything should be fine. But a few days ago, the child had a cold and discomfort in the neck, and I noticed that her neck was a bit swollen. I had an ultrasound done, which showed: diffuse thyroid lesions -- possible Hashimoto's thyroiditis with hyperthyroidism. I then had a comprehensive thyroid function test, with the results as mentioned above. The child has been experiencing irritability and excessive sweating, which I initially thought were due to her having a bad temper or calcium deficiency. This condition has lasted for about half a year. My child is now 5 years and 3 months old, weighing 17 kg and measuring 110 cm.Doctor's answer:
Hello!Your child's thyroid function can be normal at the age of three, but it doesn't necessarily mean it will remain normal.
If the mother has Hashimoto's thyroiditis, she may have thyroid globulin antibodies (TGAb) and thyroid microsomal antibodies (TMAb) in her body. These two antibodies can cross the placenta to the fetus or be inherited by the fetus, meaning they can damage the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
The timing of onset depends on when these two antibodies cause thyroid damage. Most children develop the condition during adolescence, but it can also occur during school age, early childhood, or even earlier!
Your child's two key indicators were not checked. It is recommended to repeat the blood test next time!
Hyperthyroidism requires treatment. Currently, your child should reduce the dosage: 5mg per dose, 3 times a day. After 2 weeks, recheck the thyroid function. Once it returns to normal, adjust the dosage to: 5mg per dose, 2 times a day, and recheck the thyroid function again after 1 month.
Regular follow-ups are necessary, and the dosage should be adjusted based on the thyroid function results. Improper dosage can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or cause alternating cycles.
As for how long the medication for hyperthyroidism should be taken, it depends on the individual. Typically, it is used for 2-3 years. If it recurs after stopping the medication, longer treatment may be needed! The younger the age, the harder it is to control hyperthyroidism!