Disorders of Thyroid Function:

The disorders of thyroid function may  lead to following problems: 

Juvenile Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine problems of childhood. It may be either congenital or acquired. In  this there  is a deficiency in  secretion of  thyroid  hormone (TH).  It may  present as decelerated growth, dry  skin, puffiness around eyes, sparse hair, constipation, sleepiness and mental decline Therapeutic treatment consist of replacement of thyroid hormone. 

Goiter 

A goiter  is an enlargement or hypertrophy of  the thyroid gland.  It can be congenital or acquired. Congenital disease usually occurs as a result of antithyroid drugs andlor iodides administered to the mother during pregnancy. The acquired disease can  result from increased secretion of pituitary  thyrotropic hormone in  response  to decreased circulating levels of TH, neoplastic or inflammatory processes, or dietary iodine deficiency. The enlargement of thyroid at birth can  cause  respiratory distress so  immediate surgery  is needed  to remove the enlarged part of  the gland. The  replacement of  thyroid hormone  is necessary to treat hypothyrodism.