Hypothyroidism isn’t just an adult problem. Children can have hypothyroidism, even with normal TSH.
I learned this firsthand when my son Jack was nine years old.
Jack was struggling with weight, having trouble focusing in school, and feeling low on energy. It wasn’t a matter of “just eat less, pay more attention, or try to exercise more.”
I remember looking into his eyes and seeing that dull, flat look that I knew all too well. It was the same look I had when I was struggling with undiagnosed hypothyroidism.
Weight Gain Can Be a Clue
In an effort to help, we tried a very strict diet (no grains, no flour, minimal sugar.) Jack was a real trooper.
For breakfast, he had eggs, potatoes, and lettuce. For lunch, high protein like meat and cheese rollups, or smoothies made with yogurt, frozen fruit, chocolate, and stevia. Dinner was a hamburger without the bun.
It wasn’t easy, but we made it fun and tried to keep meals satisfying.
Most people on this kind of diet would lose weight. But not Jack.
That’s what makes hypothyroidism so frustrating. You can eat all the “right” foods, but if your thyroid is struggling, weight loss can feel impossible.
What this experience showed me was that Jack didn’t have an issue with overeating, he had underlying hypothyroidism. And until we supported his thyroid, no diet was going to “fix” the problem.
When Doctors Miss the Signs
At first, Jack’s primary doctor said his thyroid was fine because his TSH was normal. They never shared the actual number, and they didn’t run any other tests.
I wish I had known then what I know now: TSH isn’t the whole story.
Many children (and adults) have hypothyroidism with normal TSH. It’s one of the biggest reasons people get misdiagnosed and stay stuck in symptoms for years.
Jack had the classic signs of hypothyroidism—weight gain, low energy, trouble focusing, and that puffy, tired look. Once I started connecting the dots, it all made sense.
What I Want Other Parents to Know
If your child is struggling with weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, or trouble focusing, it’s not “just the age” or “just the diet.”
Your child’s body may be sending clues that their thyroid needs support.
When I finally understood this, it changed everything for our family.
That’s why I’m so passionate about helping other parents understand the missing piece. Your child’s thyroid health affects everything: their energy, mood, focus, and growth.
The Next Step
If you suspect your child might be struggling with hypothyroidism, I want you to know there’s hope and a better way to help them feel better.
The HypoHero™ Thyroid Protocol teaches you how to spot the signs, track the clues, and support thyroid and adrenal health naturally.
This method has helped thousands of hypothyroid patients uncover hidden patterns and start their journey to healing.
👉 Learn more about the HypoHero™ Thyroid Protocol and take the first step toward helping your child feel like themselves again.
