Growth retardation, sluggish behavior, tongue enlargement, facial changes, thickened and puffy face and skin and a wide variety of neurological abnormalities are manifestations of low function of the thyroid gland.

 

Depending on the age when this underaction (hypothyroidism) begins, the signs and symptoms can have wide variation. Characteristics X-ray changes in the skeleton and a low-blood thyroid level establish the diagnosis.

 

Most states screen for this at birth. However, hypothyroidism can

develop later.