Does your child have hyperthyroidism? Here’s what you need to know
Although hyperthyroidism – or an overactive thyroid gland – is more common in adults, it can still affect children. So what happens when you find out your child has too much thyroid hormone?
This can be scary to begin with, particularly as excess thyroid hormone can be dangerous if left unmanaged. And of course, when thyroid hormones are out of range, it can affect your child’s normal growth & development.
But there are steps you can take alongside your child’s medical treatments to help them stay happy and healthy.
What is hyperthyroidism in children?
Although hyperthyroidism is rare in children, it can occur. In most cases, it will be caused by an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease. In Graves’ disease, the body attacks the thyroid gland and causes it to secrete too much thyroid hormone into the body.
As Graves’ is an autoimmune disease, it is more likely to occur in children who already have an autoimmune condition. The unfortunate nature of autoimmune disease is that people with one are at a much higher risk of developing more, particularly if their condition is not managed effectively!
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in kids?
As hyperthyroidism is rare in children, it’s important to watch for the symptoms. Although they can overlap with other health concerns, I’d encourage you to seek testing from your GP if you spot any of these common symptoms:
Weight loss – even when the child is eating more food than usual
Increased appetite – they may feel hungry all the time, even after large, satiating meals
Changes to mood – this can include anxiety, mood swings, irritability and rage/tantrums
Rapid heart rate – they may complain that they can feel their heart racing or thumping in their chest, and have a high heart rate even when at rest
Fatigue – although there is more thyroid hormone and therefore more access to energy, it feels like the equivalent of running a marathon every day! So your child may struggle to sleep and be restless, but complain of feeling fatigued at the same time
Abnormal growth patterns – this can include height and bone development. Your paediatrician may pick up on this, or you may notice your child is significantly different to siblings at the same age
How to support a hyperthyroid child naturally
Your child’s medical team will work with you to find a medical treatment to manage the condition and reduce the risks. But if you feel like you need to do more to support your child, there are some options available to you.
Increase the nutrient density of their diet
As I mentioned, hyperthyroidism is like running a marathon daily – which means burning through nutrients at a rapid pace. So making sure the majority of the diet is nutrient-dense will help to keep their levels adequate.
For my top hyperthyroidism food picks, give this article a read.
Keep iodine intake at a safe level
Too much iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism, but it can also exacerbate it for some people. But at the same time, iodine is critical for growth and development. So this can be a tricky balancing act!
The recommended intake of iodine depends on your child’s age. But at the very least, you’ll want to remove iodised salt, be aware of including too many iodine-rich foods, and reduce the intake of other sources of iodine.
The highest iodine content foods include:
Fish
Seaweeds including nori, dulse, kelp and kombu
Seafood including prawns, crabs and lobster
Sushi
Carrageenan
Agar-agar
Algae
Alginate
Egg yolks
Some medications also contain iodine, which you’ll need to be aware of. These include:
Amiodarone (Nexterone)
Cough syrups
Medical contrast dyes
Some herbal or vitamin supplements
Whenever possible, opt for an iodine-free alternative for your medications & supplements unless advised otherwise by your child’s health practitioner. If you’re unsure, speak to your prescribing practitioner or in the case of an over-the-counter medication, ask your pharmacist for a low-iodine option.
Prioritise quality rest
This can be a catch-22, as an overactive thyroid will disturb sleep. But you want to help your child get as much quality rest as possible. This includes plenty of sleep overnight, as well as naps or rest periods during the day if needed.
For some handy sleep tips, start here.
Encourage moderate movement
Kids love to run around and burn off energy. And kids with an overactive thyroid tend to be more restless and fidgety, so they are more likely to engage in play & movement.
But exercising with an overactive thyroid is a delicate balance. Gentle forms of movement can be incredibly beneficial for management and overall health. But intense activity can be potentially dangerous.
You can learn more about my recommendations for exercise and hyperthyroidism here. But make sure you also discuss this with your child’s teachers and carers, so they are aware of the need to monitor physical activity.
LOOKING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S THYROID CONDITION?
Make sure you grab a copy of my hyperthyroidism & Grave’s ebook here – it’s packed with plenty of actionable content and helpful advice!