Growth disorders in both children and adults can be affected by thyroid function. This is because thyroid hormone regulates the speed and efficiency of our metabolisms and too much or too little of it can affect growth, bone mass, and muscle mass. "Growth hormone problems are usually diagnosed by ruling out other causes, and one of the first things to rule out is a thyroid disorder," says Eric Ralph Frankenfeld, MD, an endocrinologist in Bellingham, Washington who specializes in thyroid disorders.

In children, hypothyroidism -- an underactive thyroid gland -- can slow bone growth. And hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid is producing too much hormone, can be even more detrimental. "An overactive thyroid can take over the whole metabolism so the child's body is spending all its energy burning calories, and meanwhile the child loses weight and stops growing," Frankenfeld says. Testing for thyroid disease is relatively straightforward and is conducted using a TSH (Thyoid Stimulating Hormone) test. Ask your doctor test your child's thyroid function if you suspect a problem.

In adults, it can be difficult to distinguish between a thyroid disorder and growth hormone deficiency because the signs of the two endocrine imbalances are so similar. Both can cause lethargy, fatigue, weakness, and a general metabolic slowdown. And to complicate things further, because both hormones are generated by the pituitary gland, a serious injury to the pituitary can cause some people to suffer from an imbalance of both hormones.

Ask your doctor or endocrinologist about testing your thyroid function as well as your growth hormone levels when searching for the source of your unexplained fatigue or weight gain.

First published December 17, 2003
Last updated May 6, 2008
Copyright © 2003 Consumer Health Interactive

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