Children Healthy Care

There are a large number of people in the world who suffer from thyroid problems at some point in their lifetime. In developed countries, such as the United States, about 10% of the population will deal with hypothyroidism, also called an underactive thyroid. Mainly women are affected, but the condition is present in men and children as well.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck which emits hormones tat control bodily functions, including the bodies metabolic rate. When the thyroid does not produce enough hormones, hypothyroidism symptoms appear. These symptoms build slowly, so slowly that few people take note of their appearance. These people just know that they are tired, and they seem to be gaining weight. There is no definitive cause for this condition, it may be hereditary, ad the latest theory is that pollutants play a role in the development of thyroid problems.

The problem with hypothyroidism is that the symptoms tend to mimic normal aging. Few people run to see a doctor if they are fatigued, they just try to get more sleep. Other symptoms, such as constipation and dry skin don’t seem that bad, especially if they are mild. Yet, an underactive thyroid that is left untreated, can lead to serious health problems, especially in children where the thyroid gland controls growth and mental abilities.