Pediatric hypothyroidism
Dear Dr.
Hsu,
My daughter has hypothyroidism.
Should we wait until she turns three to return for a follow-up appointment, or can we come back a month early? She will be three in just over a month, and we would like to see if she can discontinue her medication.
Additionally, I only have your office number (703) and do not know your physician code.
I encountered an error while trying to make an appointment today, and I ended up in the wrong voice appointment system.
My daughter is your patient; could you please provide me with your physician code? Thank you, Dr.
Hsu.
Best regards,
Xiao Yu
Xiao Yu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/08/06
Dr. Xu Shanjing reply Rare Disease
On the day of the 3rd birthday, the medication was stopped.
A follow-up appointment is scheduled for one month later, on Tuesday, with code 61.
The patient should arrive at 9 AM for the follow-up and inform the doctor about stopping the medication for one month.
Dr.
Hsu will issue a blood test order.
Reply Date: 2008/08/06
More Info
Dear 小玉,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your daughter's condition of pediatric hypothyroidism. It's understandable to have questions about follow-up visits and medication management, especially as your daughter approaches the age of three.
Pediatric hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which are crucial for growth, development, and metabolism. The management of this condition typically involves regular monitoring and medication to ensure that hormone levels remain within a normal range.
Regarding your question about follow-up visits, it is generally recommended that children with hypothyroidism have regular check-ups with their pediatric endocrinologist. These visits are essential for monitoring thyroid hormone levels through blood tests, adjusting medication dosages as needed, and assessing your child's growth and development. While some practitioners may suggest that a child can be seen less frequently as they approach three years of age, it is crucial to follow the specific recommendations of your healthcare provider.
If your daughter is nearing three years old and you are considering whether to schedule a follow-up visit sooner than the typical schedule, it would be prudent to do so. A follow-up visit in one month could provide an opportunity to assess her current thyroid function and determine if any adjustments to her medication are necessary. Additionally, this visit can help evaluate whether she is ready for a potential trial off medication, which is sometimes considered in children who have been stable on treatment for a period of time. However, this decision should always be made in consultation with her healthcare provider, as they will have the most comprehensive understanding of her medical history and current health status.
As for your difficulty in scheduling an appointment due to not having the physician's code, I recommend contacting the office directly. They should be able to assist you in obtaining the correct information for scheduling. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the office or your healthcare provider directly.
In summary, it is advisable to schedule a follow-up visit sooner rather than later, especially as your daughter approaches a significant milestone in her treatment. Regular monitoring is key to managing pediatric hypothyroidism effectively, and your proactive approach in seeking clarification and guidance is commendable.
Wishing you and your daughter the best of health.
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams
Similar Q&A
Managing Congenital Hypothyroidism in Infants: Key Considerations for Parents
Dear Dr. Lin, First of all, I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy message and for your follow-up questions! My child will be turning 3 months old next week and is currently undergoing treatment for congenital hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, the THS index ...
Dr. Lin Yishou reply Pediatrics
Dear Parent, I understand your concerns. However, there is no special solution; the best approach is to adhere to the medication regimen and monitor the blood levels. If you have any worries, please discuss them thoroughly with the attending physician. Thank you for your message.[Read More] Managing Congenital Hypothyroidism in Infants: Key Considerations for Parents
Understanding Hypothyroidism in Infants: Testing and Care Guidelines
Hello doctor, I would like to ask if it is okay to have a follow-up test for hypothyroidism after one month. Does hypothyroidism mean that the hormone levels should not be too high or too low? My baby is 9 days old and is drinking formula milk; how often should he have a bowel mo...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
If hypothyroidism is indeed present, most cases that receive prompt and appropriate treatment do not exhibit neurological deficits, so delays are not advisable. The diagnosis of hypothyroidism involves multiple blood tests; some parameters may show significantly low levels while ...[Read More] Understanding Hypothyroidism in Infants: Testing and Care Guidelines
Essential Guide to Newborn Thyroid Screening and Symptoms
Due to my hyperthyroidism, I continued to take medication during my pregnancy. My child was born on March 20th, weighing 3100 grams. When is the most appropriate time to arrange for a newborn thyroid function test to avoid delaying treatment? Additionally, how can I observe if my...
Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: Pregnant women with hyperthyroidism who continue to take medication during pregnancy may have these drugs cross the placenta, potentially affecting the baby. Fortunately, these medications are metabolized in the infant's body within a few weeks. In Taiwan, normal newb...[Read More] Essential Guide to Newborn Thyroid Screening and Symptoms
Understanding Thyroid Issues: A Mother's Concern for Her Daughter's Health
Dr. Zhao: Hello, I have hyperthyroidism and have been treated by a specialist, who informed me that I have been off medication for many years. I have had blood tests every six months for years without any recurrence. I noticed that my young daughter has a thick neck, and after bl...
Dr. Zhao Ming reply Breast and Thyroid
Hello: The likelihood of your daughter's condition requiring surgical treatment is low. Medical management should be appropriate. If you need my advice, you can visit my clinic, and I will explain further.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues: A Mother's Concern for Her Daughter's Health
Related FAQ
Thyroid Function
(Pediatrics)
Tourette Syndrome(Rare Disease)
Congenital Metabolic Disorders(Rare Disease)
Newborn Screening(Rare Disease)
Kawasaki Disease(Pediatrics)
Rare Disease Treatment(Rare Disease)
Height(Rare Disease)
Ichthyosis(Rare Disease)
Whole Exome Sequencing(Rare Disease)
Pediatric Heart(Pediatrics)