Congenital hypothyroidism is treated by giving thyroid hormone medication in a pill form called levothyroxine. Many children will require treatment for life. Levothyroxine should be crushed and given once daily, mixed with a small amount of water, formula, or breast milk using a dropper or syringe.

There are two types of hypothyroidism in infants and children: Congenital hypothyroidism, which is present at birth, and acquired hypothyroidism, which develops after birth, usually during late childhood or adolescence. Congenital hypothyroidism affects 1 in 1,500-3,000 newborns in the U.S. each year.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Congenital Hypothyroidism?

• jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
• sleeping longer or more often than usual.
• constipation.
• a large soft spot (fontanel) on the head.
• large, swollen tongue.
• weak (“floppy”) muscle tone.
• swelling around the eyes.
• poor or slow growth.

Undiagnosed thyroid dysfunction can make it difficult to conceive. It can also cause problems during pregnancy itself. Once the over- or under-active thyroid is under control, however, there is no reason why you should not have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Left untreated in newborns, hypothyroidism can lead to mental retardation. Untreated hypothyroidism may also lead to anemia, low body temperature and heart failure. The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormones.

Gene mutations causing congenital hypothyroidism can be a rare cause of distinct clinical phenotypes. Most well known is Pendred’s syndrome. Affected patients have sensorineural deafness, hypothyroidism and goiter.

Your symptoms should disappear and the serious effects of low thyroid hormone should improve. If you keep your hypothyroidism well-controlled, it will not shorten your life span.