Frequently asked question: Can you be born with a thyroid gland abnormality?

You can have a thyroid problem at birth, or it can first appear and develop in later years. If you have had a thyroid problem since birth, this is called a congenital thyroid disorder. This may occur as a result of an alteration in embryonic development. If the problems arise later, then we refer to this as an acquired thyroid disorder. This may occur as a result of damage to the thyroid gland, usually due to an auto-immune reaction and sometimes as a consequence of radiation.

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Abnormalities of the Thyroid Gland

Can you be born with a thyroid gland abnormality?

How are thyroid gland disorders detected?

What are the reasons the thyroid gland does not always work as it should?

What happens if the thyroid gland does not function properly?

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