Congenital hypothyroidism (patient information)

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What is congenital hypothyroidism?

How do I know if I have congenital hypothyroidism and what are the symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism?

Symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person. The following are some common symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Fatigue and weakness
Weight gain
Puffy face, swollen tongue
Cold intolerance
Slowed heart rate
Joint and muscle pain
Constipation
Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
Decreased sweating
Depression
Heavy or irregular menstrual periods and infertility

Who is at risk for congenital hypothyroidism?

Inflammation of the thyroid gland, such as autoimmune or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, postpartum throiditis, viral thyroiditis
Congenital defects
Radiation and radioactive iodine: When patients were treated with neck cancer or hyperthyroidism, both radiation and radioactive iodine may also damage the thyroid glands.
After surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland
Drugs, such as amiodarone which is used to treat arrhythmia, propylthiouracil and methimazole, which are used to treat hyperthyroidism, Lithium.
Age older than 50
Female

How to know you have congenital hypothyroidism?

Laboratory tests of determination thyroid function, including serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 test.

TSH test: This test is the most accurate measure of thyroid function. General speaking, a TSH reading above normal means a person has hypothyroidism and a reading below normal means a person has hyperthyroidism.
T4 test: This test measures the actual amount of circulating thyroid hormone in the blood. In hypothyroidism, the level of T4 in the blood is lower than normal.

Blood tests: In patients with congenital hypothyroidism, the tests may demonstrate anemia on a complete blood count, increased cholesterol levels, increased liver enzymes, increased prolactin and low sodium.
X-ray test: A chest x-ray may show an enlarged heart in patients with congenital hypothyroidism.

When to seek urgent medical care?

Call your health care provider if symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism develop. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible: