Causes of Goiter

A goiter forms when the thyroid grows, either because it is working too hard to make hormone or because of inflammation, immune attack or nodules.

Main causes

• Iodine deficiency: the thyroid needs iodine to make hormone, and grows when it is short. It is the leading cause worldwide.
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis: an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and often an underactive thyroid
• Graves' disease: an autoimmune condition that overstimulates the thyroid, causing an overactive thyroid
• Thyroid nodules: lumps, usually harmless, that make the gland lumpy
• Multinodular goiter: many nodules that develop with age
• Thyroiditis: inflammation after a viral illness or after pregnancy
• Too much iodine: from kelp or iodine supplements can also trigger a goiter in some people
• Thyroid cancer: a less common cause, which is why new lumps are checked

Risk factors

• Being female
• Age over 40
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Living in an iodine-poor area or eating little iodised salt
• Pregnancy and some medicines such as lithium or amiodarone
• Radiation to the neck
• Eating large amounts of raw cabbage-family vegetables or soy in a person with low iodine

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda describes neck swellings under Galaganda. This is an interpretive link and does not replace thyroid tests.

Key point

Finding the cause matters, because treatment differs for each.

Before your appointment

Carry earlier thyroid reports, a list of medicines and supplements, and notes on swelling, weight change, heartbeat, mood and periods. Tell your doctor about any family history of thyroid disease and whether you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. This helps pick the right tests and treatment.