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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Hypothyroid At The Age Of 8, Should Any Medication Be Given ?

Hello doc, my daughter who is 8 yrs old has been recently detected with hypothyroidism. Her fasting levels were T3 138.8, T4 8.36 and TSH was 14.27. Then the doc checked her levels non fasting and also did anti thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Now, her t3 was 142.50, T4 was 9.64 and TSH was 7.83 . Her anti thyroid peroxidase antibodies was 289.30.
I am yet to consult the doc, but want to seek your advice on if medication should be given to her at this age. Also, if given wat side effects are expected. Her current wt is 37kg and she is very lethargic. Pl give me advice as I am very upset with these results. Does it lead to thyroid cancer? Pppppppllllllll help!!!
Tue, 23 Jul 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,
Hypothyroidism is generally treated with thyroid replacement hormone in all the patients ranging from neo nates to adults.
This hormone is availble in the form of synthetic thyroid hormone and is given by titrating and gradually increase of dose.
Since food hampers the absorption of the oral thyroxine,it is given empty stomach in morning and at same time.
Avoid giving calcium and iron with it.
Side effects of synthetic replacement thyroxine is generally due to overdoses only otherwise it is well tolerated drug.
It won't lead to cancer and there is nothing to worry about it.
Her lethargy is due to hypothyroidism only.
Thanks
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Anesthesiologist Dr. Manjeth Kumar G's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to Healthcaremagic. From your query i understood that your child is suffering from Hypothyroidism. Do not worry it can be corrected. It is very important to maintain the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T4) level in blood. It is essential for many body functions ranging from day to day activities to normal growth, mental function etc.. So thyroid hormone should be supplemented in the form of levothyroxine in appropriate e doses depends upon the age for lifetime. Do check the thyroid hormone levels at proper intervals. Please consult Endocrinologist for further management as earlier as possible.
Hope this helps.
Take care of your child.
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Hypothyroid At The Age Of 8, Should Any Medication Be Given ?

Hello, Hypothyroidism is generally treated with thyroid replacement hormone in all the patients ranging from neo nates to adults. This hormone is availble in the form of synthetic thyroid hormone and is given by titrating and gradually increase of dose. Since food hampers the absorption of the oral thyroxine,it is given empty stomach in morning and at same time. Avoid giving calcium and iron with it. Side effects of synthetic replacement thyroxine is generally due to overdoses only otherwise it is well tolerated drug. It won t lead to cancer and there is nothing to worry about it. Her lethargy is due to hypothyroidism only. Thanks