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What is the cause of congenital hypothyroidism?

Author

Andrew Vasquez

Updated on March 21, 2026

What is the cause of congenital hypothyroidism?

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is thyroid hormone deficiency present at birth. Causes of congenital hypothyroidism include iodine deficiency and a developmental defect in the thyroid gland, either due to a genetic defect or of unknown cause. Treatment consists of a daily dose of thyroid hormone (thyroxine) by mouth.

Furthermore, what causes congenital hypothyroidism in newborns?

Congenital hypothyroidism in newborns can be caused by: a missing, poorly formed, or abnormally small thyroid gland. a genetic defect that affects thyroid hormone production. use of medicines that disrupt thyroid hormone production — such as antithyroid drugs, sulfonamides, or lithium — during pregnancy.

Likewise, can thyroid issues be genetic? The most common cause of hypothyroidism is a disorder known as autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease). Hashimoto's disease can be hereditary, meaning it runs in families. Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid) can also occur after pregnancy or a viral illness.

Subsequently, one may also ask, what is the treatment for congenital hypothyroidism?

The mainstay in the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism is early diagnosis and thyroid hormone replacement. Optimal care may include diagnosis before age 10-13 days and normalization of thyroid hormone blood levels by age 3 weeks. Only levothyroxine is recommended for treatment.

What is primary congenital hypothyroidism?

Primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a condition that affects the body's thyroid gland, a small organ in the lower neck. People with CH are unable to produce enough thyroid hormone, a chemical that is essential for healthy growth and development.

Can babies grow out of hypothyroidism?

Some babies born with congenital hypothyroidism may need lifelong treatment to support normal growth and development but others will likely outgrow the condition. At least half of babies born with low thyroid has a transient form of hypothyroidism.

How does hypothyroidism affect baby?

Deprivation of the maternal thyroid hormone due to hypothyroidism can have irreversible effects on the fetus. Early studies found that children born to mothers with hypothyroidism during pregnancy had lower IQ and impaired psychomotor (mental and motor) development.

Can congenital hypothyroidism be cured?

Some infants are born with temporary hypothyroidism. This can be caused by things such as premature birth, thyroid disease in the mother, or medicines the mother had during pregnancy. This form of hypothyroidism usually goes away by itself in the first weeks or months of life.

What food should I avoid with hypothyroidism?

Summary: People with hypothyroidism should avoid millet, processed foods and supplements like selenium and zinc (unless advised by their doctor). Foods that contain gluten and goitrogens are fine in moderate amounts unless they cause discomfort.

How do I know if my baby has hypothyroidism?

Congenital hypothyroidism is most often detected by newborn blood screening with a heel prick test that is done within a few days of birth. The routine test is usually followed up within two to six weeks after birth. Newborn screening for thyroid disease includes: High levels are suggestive of hypothyroidism.

Does congenital hypothyroidism go away?

There are typically no side effects when the medication is given in the correct amount. In the majority of cases the treatment for congenital hypothyroidism is lifelong. Occasionally, at three years of age, your child may be tried off of treatment to see if the thyroid can make hormone on its own.

What causes thyroid problems in newborns?

Hypothyroidism in the newborn may be caused by:
  • A missing or poorly developed thyroid gland.
  • A pituitary gland that does not stimulate the thyroid gland.
  • Thyroid hormones that are poorly formed or do not work.
  • Medicines the mother took during pregnancy.
  • Lack of iodine in the mother's diet during pregnancy.

Does hypothyroidism affect breast milk?

Thyroid hormones play a role in normal breast development and helping breasts to make milk. When not enough of the thyroid hormones are made, a mother's milk supply may be affected. Women who have been properly treated for hypothyroidism report they have had no problems with their milk supply.

What are the consequences of congenital hypothyroidism?

Signs and symptoms
Infants born with congenital hypothyroidism may show no effects, or may display mild effects that often go unrecognized as a problem: excessive sleeping, reduced interest in nursing, poor muscle tone, low or hoarse cry, infrequent bowel movements, significant jaundice, and low body temperature.

Why does hypothyroidism cause mental retardation?

Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive and is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism in the newborn, when left untreated, can lead to mental retardation.

Is thyroid curable for babies?

With prompt treatment, babies usually recover completely within a few weeks. However, hyperthyroidism may recur during the first 6 months to 1 year of life. The goal of treatment is to restore the thyroid gland to normal function, producing normal levels of thyroid hormone.

What happens if congenital hypothyroidism is not treated?

Congenital hypothyroidism is when the disorder is present in a baby at birth. If not treated, it can lead to serious health problems. The thyroid is a gland. If a baby doesn't make enough thyroid hormones, it can cause serious problems such as mental disability, growth delays, or loss of hearing.

Can congenital hypothyroidism be prevented?

Hypothyroidism usually cannot be prevented, but the mental retardation and other complications usually can be prevented by prompt diagnosis and treatment. Hypothyroidism, PKU, and fetal alcohol syndrome are each important causes of preventable mental retardation.

Are you born with hypothyroidism?

Although hypothyroidism most often affects middle-aged and older women, anyone can develop the condition, including infants. Initially, babies born without a thyroid gland or with a gland that doesn't work properly may have few signs and symptoms.

Is congenital hypothyroidism hereditary?

Most cases of congenital hypothyroidism are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. When inherited, the condition usually has an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, which means both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations.

What foods contain iodine?

What foods provide iodine?
  • Fish (such as cod and tuna), seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood, which are generally rich in iodine.
  • Dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese) and products made from grains (like breads and cereals), which are the major sources of iodine in American diets.

Are newborns tested for hypothyroidism?

The signs of hypothyroidism are usually subtle or hidden in an infant, and not all symptoms are found in every hypothyroid baby. Therefore, most states require babies to have a blood test shortly after birth to check for hypothyroidism.

At what age do thyroid problems start?

This can cause the gland to overproduce the hormone responsible for regulating metabolism. The disease is hereditary and may develop at any age in men or women, but it's much more common in women ages 20 to 30, according to the Department of Health and Human Services .

What is the main cause of thyroid problems?

Causes of thyroid problems. Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency. autoimmune diseases, in which your immune system attacks your own body, leading either to hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease)

What foods are bad for thyroid?

So if you do, it's a good idea to limit your intake of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy, because research suggests digesting these vegetables may block the thyroid's ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function.

Can Thyroid be cured?

All thyroid diseases can be treated, resulting in normal thyroid function. Antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, and surgery are all effective treatments and can restore thyroid function to normal. Radioactive iodine and surgery also can “cure” the hyperthyroidism by removing the thyroid.

Is Hypothyroidism a disability?

There are a variety of thyroid gland disorders than can negatively impact your life, two of which are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid gland disorder, you may qualify for social security disability benefits if your condition is severe enough.

Are thyroid problems serious?

Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

How do you fix hypothyroidism?

Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levo-T, Synthroid, others). This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. You'll likely start to feel better soon after you start treatment.

Can thyroid problems run in the family?

Among the two conditions, hypothyroidism is more common —up to five per cent of the population has it —and the risk of the disease increases with age. Moreover, thyroid disorders commonly run in the family. Ivy was promptly treated with replacement of her thyroid hormone with thyroxine.

Is Graves disease a genetic disorder?

The inheritance pattern of Graves disease is unclear because many genetic and environmental factors appear to be involved. However, the condition can cluster in families, and having a close relative with Graves disease or another autoimmune disorder likely increases a person's risk of developing the condition.

Is hyperthyroidism a genetic disorder?

Causes. Graves disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, is an autoimmune disorder. In an autoimmune disorder, the person's immune system produces antibodies that attack the body's own tissues. This cause of hyperthyroidism is often hereditary and almost always leads to enlargement of the thyroid.

How is congenital hypothyroidism treated?

The mainstay in the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism is early diagnosis and thyroid hormone replacement. Optimal care may include diagnosis before age 10-13 days and normalization of thyroid hormone blood levels by age 3 weeks. Only levothyroxine is recommended for treatment.

What does hypothyroidism do to your body?

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid is underactive. When thyroid hormone production drops, your body's processes slow down and change. Hypothyroidism can affect many different systems in your body. Hypothyroidism can affect your metabolism, mental functions, energy level, and bowel movements.

Is thyroid sexually transmitted?

When you have a thyroid disorder, you might have low testosterone. This also can lower your libido. While testosterone is often thought of as a “man's” hormone, women actually produce it, too. It's also responsible for varying degrees of sex drive in men and women.

What is congenital hypothyroidism called?

Congenital hypothyroidism, previously known as cretinism, is a severe deficiency of thyroid hormone in newborns. The condition may occur because of a problem with the baby's thyroid gland, or a lack of iodine in the mother's body during pregnancy. A baby's body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones.

How do you test for congenital hypothyroidism?

If the free T4 is low and the TSH is elevated, a diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism is confirmed. The doctor may also recommend some form of imaging, such as an ultrasound exam or thyroid scan, to look for a specific cause of congenital hypothyroidism.

What is Thyroid agenesis?

Thyroid agenesis
CT scan and scintigraphy images of lingular ectopic thyroid. Specialty. Endocrinology. Thyroid dysgenesis is a cause of congenital hypothyroidism where the thyroid is missing, ectopic, or severely underdeveloped.

What is a normal TSH level for a newborn?

Results should be interpreted using age-appropriate normative values (the TSH reference range at two to six weeks of age, the most common period of retesting, typically is 1.7 to 9.1 mU per L). Approximately 10 percent of infants with confirmed congenital hypothyroidism have TSH values between 20 and 40 mU per L.

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