Approximately 10 percent of children and between 13 to 50 percent of adults with Down syndrome have thyroid disease . Hypothyroidism, an under-functioning thyroid gland, is the most common condition. Hypothyroidism must be diagnosed by a standard blood test , beginning at infancy and continuing at regular intervals throughout the life span. However, this thyroid disease can be developed at any time in the life span. Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland .
Diagnosis is also by blood test.
The condition can be treated by medication, surgery or use of radioactive iodine to destroy the gland. Insufficient evidence exists on the issue of whether individuals with Down syndrome are more prone to type one diabetes . Research does suggest that individuals who develop one type of endocrine autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid disease, run a higher risk of developing other autoimmune disorders, such as type one diabetes. Growth hormone should be administered only as part of a clinical trial until long-term benefits are demonstrated. This booklet provides general information about the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands of the endocrine system and answers commonly asked questions about medical conditions of the endocrine system, as they relate specifically to Down syndrome.