Is congenital hypothyroidism genetically inherited?

Genetic causes account for about 15 to 20 percent of cases of congenital hypothyroidism. The cause of the most common type of congenital hypothyroidism, thyroid dysgenesis, is usually unknown. Studies suggest that 2 to 5 percent of cases are inherited.

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. too little iodine in the mother’s diet during pregnancy.

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.

Can hypothyroid be hereditary?

Primary causes of hypothyroidism are much more common. The most common of these primary causes is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease. Also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, this condition is hereditary (passed down through a family).

Is congenital hypothyroidism curable?

Congenital hypothyroidism occurs when a newborn infant is born without the ability to make normal amounts of thyroid hormone. The condition occurs in about 1 in 3,000-4,000 children, is most often permanent and treatment is lifelong.

What are the symptoms of thyroid in infants?

Early signs of congenital hypothyroidism in a baby include:

• jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
• sleeping longer or more often than usual.
• constipation.
• a large soft spot (fontanel) on the head.
• large, swollen tongue.
• weak (“floppy”) muscle tone.
• swelling around the eyes.
• poor or slow growth.

Can a child be born with congenital hypothyroidism?

As a group, these abnormalities are called thyroid dysgenesis and are usually not inherited from parents; there is a low chance that additional children will have the same problem. Another explanation for congenital hypothyroidism is that the thyroid is in a normal location but it cannot make a normal amount of thyroid hormone.

Can a high iodine diet cause congenital hypothyroidism?

If a mom ingests extremely high doses of iodine from the diet or from a supplement this may also result in congenital hypothyroidism. The baby cannot make the signal from the brain (pituitary gland) to tell the thyroid to work. This signal is called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This may be associated with other pituitary hormone deficiencies.

Is the cause of hypothyroidism genetic or hereditary?

Causes Of Hypothyroidism Can Be Genetic/Hereditary Although iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide, getting enough iodine is not usually a problem in the United States. Here hypothyroidism is usually caused by hereditary diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and thyroid cancer.

What happens if someone in your family has hypothyroidism?

If a person in your family has hypothyroidism there’s an increased chance that you will have it as well. However this could also mean that you will develop a different thyroid problem. One family member may have a problem with low supply of thyroid hormones while another may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter.

As a group, these abnormalities are called thyroid dysgenesis and are usually not inherited from parents; there is a low chance that additional children will have the same problem. Another explanation for congenital hypothyroidism is that the thyroid is in a normal location but it cannot make a normal amount of thyroid hormone.

If a mom ingests extremely high doses of iodine from the diet or from a supplement this may also result in congenital hypothyroidism. The baby cannot make the signal from the brain (pituitary gland) to tell the thyroid to work. This signal is called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This may be associated with other pituitary hormone deficiencies.

Can a baby have no thyroid at birth?

At birth, the baby may have no thyroid gland at all, or have a small, partially developed gland. Why this happens is often unknown, but in some cases it is genetic. Less commonly, a baby’s thyroid did fully develop, but can’t make normal amounts of thyroid hormone.

If a person in your family has hypothyroidism there’s an increased chance that you will have it as well. However this could also mean that you will develop a different thyroid problem. One family member may have a problem with low supply of thyroid hormones while another may have an enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter.