Can you be born without a thyroid?
A friend told me about a baby who was born without a thyroid gland, and it sounds really serious. I'm currently expecting, and it made me wonder. Can a baby really be born without a thyroid?
7 answers
7 months ago
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Hey, don't stress too much! Yes, congenital hypothyroidism is a thing, but babies are tested for it right at birth. It is totally manageable with simple daily medication that replaces the hormone, so the baby can grow up completely healthy.
4 months ago
I can't imagine my metabolism going crazy without a thyroid, especially with my love for butter chicken and sweets! But yes, babies can be born without one. Fortunately, doctors can easily treat it with thyroid hormone drops, so they can enjoy their food and life normally.
5 months ago
I read about this recently and got so worried. Is this a very common thing in India? My cousin is expecting soon, and I am anxious if they do this screening test in all hospitals by default. Does anyone else have experience with this?
7 months ago
Yes, it happens sometimes but modern medicine is amazing! With a tiny daily dose of thyroid hormone, children grow up absolutely normal and full of energy. Just keep up with the regular pediatric checkups.
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yrs exp
4 months ago
Bro, my nephew was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism because his thyroid didn't develop fully at birth. He's been taking a tiny pill daily since he was a baby and he is super active and tops his class. Just follow the doc's advice.
7 months ago
As someone who has been managing thyroid issues for years, I know how critical this hormone is. If a baby is born without a thyroid gland, they will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. Regular blood tests are absolutely necessary to keep the dosage adjusted perfectly.
5 months ago
If a baby is born without a thyroid, delaying treatment can cause serious developmental delays and health complications. This is why immediate newborn screening is so crucial. Please ensure the baby is evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist as soon as possible.