Adolescent Hyperthyroidism: Recognizing Symptoms, Exploring Treatments, and Understanding Causes
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in the body's functions. One of the conditions that can affect the thyroid is hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
In teenagers, hyperthyroidism can present with a variety of symptoms. These may include weight loss despite increased appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations, nervousness, irritability, and feeling agitated, tremors in the hands and fingers, increased sweating, fatigue or exhaustion, insomnia, more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, muscle weakness, goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) sometimes noticed as a lump in the neck, changes in menstrual cycles, thinning hair or skin changes, and eyes bulging outward (especially in Graves’ disease) [1][2][4].
These symptoms stem from an increased metabolic rate caused by excessive thyroid hormone production. The exact cause of hyperthyroidism in teenagers is often Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition where antibodies in the immune system attach to certain receptors on cells of the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excess thyroid hormone [1][2][4].
The typical treatment for hyperthyroidism in teenagers can include antithyroid medications, such as methimazole, to reduce thyroid hormone synthesis; radioactive iodine therapy to destroy overactive thyroid tissue in some cases; surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) for severe cases or large goiters; supportive treatments like beta-blockers to control symptoms like rapid heart rate and tremors while definitive therapy takes effect; and close monitoring and follow-up by an endocrinologist to tailor treatments based on severity, age, and individual factors [2][3].
In emergency or complicated cases, treatment also focuses on stabilizing the patient, managing electrolyte imbalances, and addressing underlying hyperthyroidism [3]. The approach and specific therapies are chosen considering the patient's age, symptoms, severity of disease, and presence of complications [2][4].
After surgery or radioactive iodine treatment, the teenager will have permanent hypothyroidism and will always need to take thyroid hormone medication. Methimazole (Tapazole) is the only antithyroid medication approved for use in children and teenagers in the United States [2].
It's important to note that a teenager may be more likely to develop Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism if they have a family history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, or pernicious anemia. Rarer but possible causes of hyperthyroidism include certain medications, genetics, and growths such as tumors [2].
Hyperthyroidism can affect school performance, so caregivers may want to discuss the teenager's condition with the school. Healthcare professionals can advise on support groups for teenagers with hyperthyroidism and their caregivers. A caregiver should be aware of any indications that a teenager's condition may be worsening and can contact a doctor if they have concerns or questions about hyperthyroidism [2].
Lastly, it's worth mentioning that thyroid hormones regulate the way the body uses energy, and they can affect every organ in the body. Hyperthyroidism can speed up puberty, which may have negative effects such as a teenager not growing as tall as they otherwise would have. Toxic nodular goiter, while rare in teenagers, may also cause hyperthyroidism [2].
In conclusion, hyperthyroidism in teenagers is a manageable condition with various treatment options available. It's crucial to seek medical advice promptly if you suspect your teenager might be experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. With proper care and treatment, teenagers with hyperthyroidism can lead healthy, active lives.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hyperthyroidism in teenagers. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/in-depth/hyperthyroidism/art-20046667 [2] American Thyroid Association. (2021). Hyperthyroidism in Children and Adolescents. https://www.thyroid.org/patients/thyroid-disease-in-children-and-adolescents/hyperthyroidism-in-children-and-adolescents/ [3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Hyperthyroidism. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hyperthyroidism [4] UpToDate. (2021). Hyperthyroidism in children and adolescents. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/hyperthyroidism-in-children-and-adolescents
- While science continues to advance our understanding of thyroid functions, hyperthyroidism remains a concern, especially for caregivers of teens.
- Pfizer, for instance, manufactures methimazole, a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, approved for use in children and teenagers in the United States.
- Hyperthyroidism can trigger a myriad of medical-conditions, such as chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, digestive-health issues, and eye-health concerns.
- In addition to eye-health issues, individuals with hyperthyroidism may also experience hearing problems.
- Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular fitness-and-exercise, nutritious eating, and skin-care practices, is crucial for overall health-and-wellness, including managing hyperthyroidism and its related conditions.
- Moreover, mental-health issues can arise from chronic illnesses like hyperthyroidism, necessitating attention to mens-health and women's-health concerns, neurological-disorders, and autoimmune-disorders.
- Therapies-and-treatments for hyperthyroidism will vary depending on the individual's condition, age, and the severity of the disease.
- Education-and-self-development resources are available for caregivers and patients to learn about the condition, its management, and potential personal-growth opportunities.
- Cardiovascular-health is another crucial aspect to consider, as hyperthyroidism can lead to irregular heart rhythms and increased heart rate.
- Medicaid, commonly known as Medicare, can provide coverage for necessary treatments and medications for individuals with hyperthyroidism.
- CBD, a cannabis extract, may also be used as a complementary treatment to manage symptoms such as anxiety and sleep difficulties associated with hyperthyroidism.
- Some rarer causes of hyperthyroidism can include skin-conditions and genetics, requiring further investigation and specialized care.
- After therapies-and-treatments for hyperthyroidism, close monitoring by healthcare professionals is essential to ensure proper management of chronic diseases and potential complications.
- Untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism can significantly impact a teenager's growth and development, emphasizing the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate care.
