Thyroid Hormone Deficiency
From Holoprosencephaly
Thyroid Hormone Deficiency
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland helps regulate the metabolism of all cells. TRH, a hormone produced in the hypothalamus, stimulates the pituitary gland to release TSH. TSH subsequently stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, T3 and T4 (also called thyroxine). These hormones feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary to regulate the release of both TSH and TRH.
Symptoms of thyroid hormone deficiency: Weakness Fatigue Cold intolerance Constipation Weight gain Depression Muscle or joint pain Thin, brittle fingernails Thin, brittle hair Paleness
Signs of prolonged thyroid hormone deficiency: Slow heart rate low blood pressure and low temperature Dry flaky skin Thickening of the skin Puffy face, hands, and feet Decreased sense of taste and smell Thinning of eyebrows Hoarseness Menstrual disorders
Testing
Normal values are from 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L for those with no symptoms of an under- or over-active thyroid. If you are being treated for a thyroid disorder, your TSH should be between 0.5 and 2.0 mIU/L. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Drugs that can affect TSH measurements include: antithyroid medications, lithium, potassium iodide, amiodarone, dopamine and prednisone.
Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to replace the deficient thyroid hormone. Oral Levothyroxine (T4) is the most commonly used medication. This treatment requires the assistance of a pediatric endocrinologist.
Click on the links below to learn more about hormonal deficiencies in children with Holoprosencephaly:
