Thyroid Issues

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Thyroid dysfunction in Down’s syndrome

Thyroid dysfunction is much the same in Down’s syndrome as in the general population. The same treatment is used. If a person has an underactive thyroid gland this can be treated by giving one or two tablets a day of replacement thyroxine. Some people with Down’s syndrome respond more slowly to treatment than other people and advice from a specialist – an endocrinologist – may be needed. The far less common situation of overactivity can usually be treated with medicines to stop the overproduction of thyroid hormones but occasionally an operation may be necessary to remove part of the gland.

The main problem about disturbed thyroid function in people with Down’s syndrome is that it can be very difficult to diagnose on clinical grounds – that is, by a doctor asking questions and carrying out a physical examination - particularly in the early stages. Doctors have to rely on the results of blood test to make sure they are not missing any cases. If thyroid deficiency is diagnosed the problem then, from a medical point of view, is the same as for anyone in the general population and treatment is both possible and very worthwhile.