What are thyroid disorders?
ÌýThe thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, just below the thyroid cartilage (Adam’s apple). Hormones produced by the thyroid affect all aspects of a child’s health including heart rate, energy metabolism (how effectively the body uses calories), growth and development.
ÌýCommon thyroid disorders are:
- Hypothyroidism (for examples autoimmune thyroiditis, congenital hypothyroidism)
- Hyperthyroidism (for example Grave's disease)
The majority of children with thyroid disorders will achieve normal growth and development, if managed well. This usually requires frequent checks and blood tests while the child is still growing.ÌýÌý
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For health professionals
Congenital hypothyroidism
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Post-thyroidectomy guideline to prevent hypocalcaemia
All patients requiring thyroidectomy should be discussed with the endocrinology inpatient team prior to surgery.
Please see the following guidelines for management of children and adolescents after total thyroidectomy to prevent hypocalcaemia:
SUMMARY DOCUMENTÌý(updated Feb 2025)
For patient and families
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General information regarding thyroiditis
/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Thyroiditis/
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Hormone and me booklets:Ìý