On World Thyroid Day on May 25, doctors have highlighted the growing concern over thyroid disorders among children, warning that delayed diagnosis can adversely affect physical growth, brain development, school performance and puberty.
Though small in size, the thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, growth and neurological development from the earliest stages of life. The doctors said thyroid disorders can affect children across all age groups — from newborn babies to adolescents — and often remain undetected because the symptoms may appear subtle initially.
“Thyroid hormone is essential for normal height gain and bone development in children. Untreated hypothyroidism may lead to poor growth, short stature, delayed puberty and reduced school performance,” said Dr. Anand Vishal, Endocrinologist at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML), Delhi.
Recent global studies have shown that thyroid disorders are becoming increasingly common among children and adolescents, particularly autoimmune thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism. Research published in international endocrine journals has also pointed to rising thyroid dysfunction among pregnant women, underscoring the need for better maternal screening and newborn monitoring.
Dr. Vishal explained that thyroid hormone is vital even before birth. During pregnancy, the mother’s thyroid hormone supports the development of the baby’s brain and nervous system, especially during the first trimester when the foetus cannot produce adequate thyroid hormone independently.
“Untreated thyroid disease during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, poor foetal growth, premature delivery and impaired brain development in the child,” he said.
The doctors also stressed the importance of adequate iodine intake during pregnancy and childhood. Iodine is a key nutrient required for the production of thyroid hormones, and deficiency can lead to serious developmental problems.
India’s universal salt iodisation programme has significantly reduced iodine deficiency disorders over the years. However, the experts asserted awareness regarding balanced iodine intake remains important, particularly among pregnant women, lactating mothers and growing children.
They advise regular consumption of iodised salt and iodine-rich foods such as milk, curd, eggs, fish and cereals. At the same time, doctors caution against indiscriminate iodine supplementation without medical supervision.
One of the most serious thyroid-related conditions affecting children is Congenital Hypothyroidism, in which babies are born with low levels of thyroid hormone. If not diagnosed early, the disorder can permanently impair brain development and learning ability.
Experts say the condition may be more common in India than previously estimated. However, early detection through newborn screening can completely change outcomes for affected children.
A simple blood test performed shortly after birth can identify the disorder, allowing treatment to begin immediately. With timely thyroid hormone replacement therapy, most children can achieve normal growth and cognitive development.
Doctors note that thyroid problems are not confined to infancy. School-going children and adolescents are also increasingly presenting with thyroid disorders, particularly autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Dr. Kiran Kumar Pasam, Senior Endocrinologist at AIG Hospitals, Hyderabad, said parents should remain alert to symptoms that are often dismissed as routine behavioural or academic issues.
“Parents should be alert if a child develops unusual tiredness, weight gain, constipation, poor height gain, lack of interest in studies, swelling in the neck or delayed puberty,” he said.
In adolescent girls, thyroid dysfunction may also contribute to menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalance.
The endocrinologists say another important concern is enlargement of the thyroid gland, commonly referred to as a goitre. This can occur due to hypothyroidism, especially in areas where iodine intake remains inadequate.
Dr. Saurav Das, Consultant Endocrinologist at Swagat Hospital and Marwari Hospitals, Guwahati, explained that some children may also develop Hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid gland becomes overactive.
“Such children may appear unusually restless, anxious, emotionally irritable, or may lose weight despite eating well,” Dr. Das said. “Excessive sweating, tremors, fast heartbeat, disturbed sleep and difficulty concentrating in school are also important warning signs.”
Doctors further caution that thyroid nodules or persistent neck swellings in children should never be ignored. Although thyroid cancer is uncommon in children, the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules is relatively higher in children than in adults, especially when the nodules are hypo-functioning.
Fortunately, specialists note that most paediatric thyroid cancers respond well to treatment when detected early.
The doctors emphasised the urgent need for greater awareness about thyroid disorders, given that symptoms are often vague and can easily be mistaken for nutritional deficiencies, stress or poor academic adjustment.
Routine growth monitoring, awareness among parents and teachers, maternal thyroid screening during pregnancy, and expanded newborn screening programmes could significantly improve early diagnosis, they said, asserting that timely intervention remains the key to preventing long-term complications.
