Thyroid Problems

Individuals with Down’s Syndrome often have problems with their thyroid gland (4). The Thyroid gland is present in the front of the neck and it produces hormones which are crucial for regulation of the body’s energy levels. The main hormones for regulation are known as known as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) (2). 1 in 10 people with Down’s Syndrome have thyroid problems (4).

THYROID_72

Picture showing Thyroid Gland – Boots WebMD (2009). (1)

The most common thyroid problems are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not make enough T4 and T3 hormones and Hyperthyroidism is when the body makes more T3 and T4 than the body requires (2). People with Down’s Syndrome more commonly have hypothyroidism (4) but in some cases, they can have hyperthyroidism (2).

Hypothyroidism can be present at birth in rare cases, but thyroid problems usually develop as the individual gets older. Therefore, regular blood screens must be taken throughout the individuals life starting at 6 weeks old, then a year, then subsequently every two years (2). These blood tests are used to test for numerous things but most commonly, a thyroid function test (5)

Some common symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

  • -lack of energy
  • -weight gain (also see obesity)
  • -slow physical and mental reactions
  • -constipation (also see gut problems)
  • -muscle aches and weakness
  • -dry and scaly skin
  • Hearing loss
  • Anaemia (5)(2)

Some Common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

  • -Weight loss
  • -increased appetite
  • -tremors
  • -swelling of thyroid gland (goitre)
  • -breathlessness (2)

Thyroid Goiter

Normal Gland vs Swollen Gland – My.Health.Alberta.ca (2017). (3)

The main treatment for Hypothyroidism is levothyroxine. This is a hormone replacement treatment which helps raise thyroxine levels. If the thyroid is not properly treated complications can occur such as heart disease, goitre and more serious complications such as myxoedema coma (5).

Hyperthyroidism is treated with anti-thyroid medication to reduce thyroid function. In more serious cases radioactive iodine or removal of part of the gland are used to reduce function (2).

With proper treatment individuals live healthy, happy lives. (5).

References:

  1. Boots WebMD (2017). Thyroid Gland. [image] Available at: https://img.webmd.boots.com/dtmcms/live/webmd_uk/consumer_assets/site_images/anatomy_pages/THYROID_72.jpg [Accessed 11 Dec 2017]
  2. Downs-syndrome.org.uk. (2017). Thyroid | Down’s Syndrome Association. [online] Available at: https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/for-families-and-carers/health-and-well-being/thyroid/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017].
  3. My.Health.Alberta.ca (2017). Thyroid Goitre. [image] Available at: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/_layouts/15/healthwise/media/medical/hw/h9991416_001_pi.jpg [Accessed 11 Dec 2017]
  4. nhs.uk. (2017). Complications. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/downs-syndrome/complications/#thyroid-problems [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017].
  5. nhs.uk. (2017). Symptoms. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyrodism/symptoms/ [Accessed 11 Dec. 2017]