Infant Thyroid Problems: Understanding Causes & Treatments

The hormone-producing thyroid influences most of the metabolic processes in your infant's body. Potential problems connected to the thyroid include an enlarged gland--or goiter--to more serious issues like the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Various medicines can help an infant with a thyroid problem--though consult your doctor before dispensing any.

Levothyroxine

• Congenital hypothyroidism can result from a thyroid under-producing the hormones an infant's body needs. A good medicine is Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T4, which should return your infant's T4 levels to their normal range.

Armour Thyroid

• Another medication for infants with hypothyroidism is Armour Thyroid. Check the correct dosage for infants. Its side effects include discomfort in warm weather, frequent bowel movements and weight loss.

Cytomel

• A third medication that can help is Cytomel. Again, check the label for proper dosages for an infant. Besides treating hypothyroidism and goiter, Cytomel can improve an infant's energy level and mental functioning. Side effects include nervousness, heart palpitations and possible insomnia.