Question
I am a hypothyroid patient who has been taking Levothyroxine to control my thyroid function during pregnancy. My child’s thyroid function was normal at three years old, but recently, I noticed that my child’s neck seems a bit larger. An ultrasound suggests Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with hyperthyroidism may be present. My child has been experiencing symptoms such as restlessness and excessive sweating for about half a year. Do I need to treat the hyperthyroidism? For how long? Will it recur after stopping the medication?
Answer
The antibodies of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, causing hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Children may develop the condition during puberty or even earlier. It is currently recommended to reduce the dosage of thyroid hormone medication and to have regular checks on thyroid function to adjust the medication. The duration of hyperthyroidism treatment varies from person to person, usually requiring 2-3 years, and there may be recurrence after stopping the medication. The younger the age, the harder it is to control hyperthyroidism.