Diseases, Conditions & Concerns / Question
Published: September 30, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have had Hypothyroidism since birth, and I am being treated for it. The problem is, I'm a 17-year-old girl, 5'6" tall, and I weigh 235 pounds. How can I get my weight back down to where it should be? I was also wondering if my condition is affecting my rate of growth. Since my bra size is a 36 A, and I didn't get my period until July of last year.
Signed: Hypothyroidism Since Birth
Dear Hypothyroidism Since Birth,
Congenital hypothyroidism or an under active thyroid gland since birth has an excellent prognosis if treatment is started within the first 4 weeks of life. This means that if you are under a doctor's care for treatment and complying with your daily medication regimen then you should be relatively free of symptoms. If on the other hand, you have been under treated or have not been taking your medicine you could have growth-related problems. This could include excessive weight gain and delayed puberty.
You have some excellent questions and would benefit from checking in with your endocrinologist or thyroid doctor for a reevaluation. Such specialists usually handle this situation.
If you do not have a doctor or wish to see an Adolescent Medicine physician, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.6475 in northern New Jersey.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Most smokers begin smoking as teens, and the average age of initiation is 12.5 years of age.
