Thyroid Gland Central Dysfunction
(continued)

If the symptoms of thyroid disease are so characteristic, how is it so commonly overlooked, misdiagnosed, or mistreated? One major reason is that these symptoms closely mimic several other common conditions. Women with hypothyroid symptoms very commonly attribute them to being sleep deprived or fatigued; women with hyperthyroid symptoms very commonly attribute them to being under "stress". While patients usually then just ignore their symptoms or bite the bullet and try to deal with them, some women do discuss these symptoms with their physicians. It is very common for physicians to attribute the symptoms of hypothyroidism to depression. It is very common for physicians to attribute the symptoms of hyperthyroidism to anxiety. Remember: you can have sleep deprivation, fatigue, stress, depression or anxiety WITH thyroid conditions. If you get any of these "diagnoses", ask your doctor if you might have a thyroid problem at the root of your symptoms.

Hypothyroidism in babies and children: Babies born with hypothyroidism may have a hoarse cry, unusual sleepiness, constipation, and feeding problems. If this is not treated promptly, the child may have unusually short height, dry skin, thin hair, an unusual facial appearance, a protruding belly, delayed growth of teeth, and impaired mental development. When hypothyroidism affects an older child, puberty may be delayed, and other symptoms are similar to those seen in adults.