Frequently asked question: What complaints can a child with hyperthyroidism have?

Every child with hyperthyroidism has his or her own individual symptoms, and they are not all equally affected by the symptoms they do have. In young children, the symptoms are sometimes difficult to recognize, because they are not yet able to talk about their symptoms. Symptoms may include:
  • Behavior: trouble sleeping, fatigue, mood instability, irritability, reduced ability to concentrate, restlessness, stressed and agitated behavior (hyperactivity).
  • Skin and hair: red cheeks, increased perspiration, clammy skin.
  • Head-throat: palpable swelling in the throat (goiter), bulging eyes.
  • Stomach-intestinal tract: frequent hunger, diarrhea.
  • Muscles and joints: reduced muscle tone, reduced strength.
  • Bodily functions: increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, shortness of breath with exertion.
  • Hyperactive reflexes, trembling hands.
  • Menstrual disorders.
  • Sensitivity to heat, feeling hot.
  • Weight loss.
  • Accelerated longitudinal growth, tall for age.

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