Question

Which hormonal deficiency is responsible for the following Cretinism.

Answer 1

Cretinism is a condition of severely stunted and physical growth due to untreated congenital deficiency of certain hormones. It is the case of hypothyroidism. Cretinism is also called a thyroid dwarf and it occurs in children. It is characterized by stunted growth etc. This particular hormone is secreted by the thyroid gland which is the largest endocrine gland in humans.

Step by step answer: Cretinism is a condition of severely stunted physical and mental growth due to the untreated congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones.
It is characterized by the condition of stunted physical and mental growth due to the deficiency of the thyroid hormone also known as a congenital deficiency in thyroid hormones. It causes mental retardation, lower I.Q. and menstrual cycle to become irregular.
Congenital means a trait or disease that is present since birth and Cretinism is the result of hypothyroidism (less secretion of thyroid hormone).
If the mother’s thyroid gland does not function properly this disease may happen as during the initial months of pregnancy the child is fully dependable on the mother for the supply of thyroid hormone which is important because of the major role of thyroid hormone in the growth and development. This disease can also happen due to the defects in the thyroid glands of the baby which results in stunted growth, loss of water and hair, improper maturation of bones, enlarged tongue, etc.
Cretinism can also be prevented if detected early by providing a sufficient supply of thyroid hormone.

Note: Apart from Cretinism several other diseases occur due to hypothyroidism (diseases caused due to less secretion of thyroid hormone). Some of them are - Myxoedema occurs in adults, Simple goiter due to iodine deficiency thyroid enlarges in response to TSH, Hashimoto disease or autoimmune thyroiditis.