Hypothyroidism
In childhood thyroxine has an important role in the control of growth and one of the most fundamental signs of severe thyroid underactivity is slowing of the rate of growth¹.
Abnormal growth tends to be more significant in children where the thyroid is full destroyed (no goitre).
Dryness of the skin and hair, coarsening of the facial features, constipation and a slow pulse rate all occur in children but tend to be relatively late features.
Treatment is with Thyroxine replacement and is relatively simple.