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Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid underactivity (hypothyroidism)
Underactivity of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can arise for a number of reasons. Hypothyroidism can occur in newborn infants (Congenital Hypothyroidism, CHT) as well as later on in childhood (acquired Hypothyroidism, AHT.) Affected newborns look, and usually act, normal for the first few days and the national screening programme for CHT, by blood spot collection, ensures that affected infants are identified and treated as early as possible. The commonest cause of CHT is a poorly developed or absent thyroid gland; the underlying basis to this abnormality is not understood. CHT can also occur if there is a defect in thyroxine production within the gland. These defects may be permanent or transient. Although every child with CHT should be started on thyroxine promptly, they should be evaluated at some time later to exclude a transient problem.
The commonest causes of acquired hypothyroidism include an immune reaction against the thyroid gland by the body itself (Autoimmune Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's disease) or damage to the thyroid gland or the part of the brain which controls the thyroid.
Symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism vary depending on a number of factors such as the cause of hypothyroidism, age of onset and the duration of the interval leading to treatment. In untreated or inadequately treated cases, features may include dry skin with a yellowish tinge, coarse brittle hair, puffy eyelids, thick broad tongue, hoarse voice, slow heart rate, constipation, short stature, delayed pubertal development and learning disabilities.
Congenital hypothyroidism in women 
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