Can I pass my hypothyroidism to my baby?

Q: I having been suffering from hypothyroidism since 1999. At that time my TSH levels were 44 mIU/L. I have been prescribed eltroxin 100 mcg and it is under control since then. Now, I have a baby of 3 months old. Is there any chance of my child getting hypothyroidism at this age or in the near future?

A:Your baby is not at a risk of developing hypothyroidism at this age because of your hypothyroidism, but small babies can have congenital hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism from birth), hence the baby should be screened if he has not been checked already. When the baby is older he will be at a higher risk of developing hypothyroidism than the general population since it does tend to run in families, but it is not necessary that it will happen.