• Thyroid Disorders
• Women's Health

Do I Have a Goiter in My Neck?

Medically reviewed and edited by Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Published: September 04, 2025
Updated: September 22, 2025
3 mins

A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland found at the base of the neck. The thyroid plays a key role in producing hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and more. Because of this, changes in the thyroid can have widespread effects on your health. 

White a goiter may look concerning – sometimes showing up as a visible swelling in the neck – it doesn't always signal something serious. In some cases, it’s harmless and requires little more than monitoring. In other cases, it may point to an underlying thyroid condition that needs treatment. 

What is a Goiter?

A goiter is the medical term for swelling or enlargement of the thyroid gland. It’s important to note that a goiter itself isn’t a disease – it’s usually a sign that something is affecting the thyroid. In some people, the enlargement is so slight that it can only be detected during a medical exam, while in others, the swelling is more pronounced and easy to see. The size of a goiter can range from barely noticeable to large enough to cause discomfort or visible changes in the neck’s shape.

Types of Goiters

Goiters can develop in different ways depending on what’s happening inside the thyroid. Some are related to hormone changes, while others are tied to structural changes in the gland itself. The main types include:

• Diffuse goiter: The thyroid is enlarged evenly, without any lumps or nodules.

• Nodular goiter: The thyroid develops one or more nodules. This can appear as a single lump (solitary nodular goiter) or multiple lumps (multinodular goiter).

• Toxic goiter: In this case, the enlarged thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, or anxiety.

• Nontoxic (simple) goiter: The thyroid is enlarged but hormone levels remain normal. These often don’t cause symptoms and may only be discovered during a checkup.

• Endemic goiter: Seen more often in areas where the diet lacks iodine, which the thyroid needs to make hormones. This type is much less common in countries where table salt and foods are fortified with iodine.

Causes of Goiter

There isn’t just one reason a goiter develops – it can happen for several different reasons, some temporary and others linked to long-term thyroid conditions. Common causes include:

• Iodine deficiency: The most frequent cause of goiter worldwide. The thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones, and without enough of it, the gland can grow larger in an effort to keep up. 

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid, often leading to hypothyroidism. The gland may enlarge as it becomes inflamed.

• Graves’ disease: Another autoimmune disorder, but in this case, the immune system overstimulates the thyroid, causing it to grow and produce too much hormone (hyperthyroidism),

• Thyroid nodules or cysts: Lumps within the thyroid can cause the gland to look or feel enlarged.

• Thyroid cancer: Less common, but sometimes a goiter can be linked to a thyroid tumor.

• Medications: Certain drugs, such as lithium (used in mental health treatment) or amiodarone (used for heart rhythm problems), can affect thyroid function and size.

• Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal changes: Hormonal shifts can temporarily influence the thyroid, sometimes causing mild enlargement.

• Genetic factors and family history: A predisposition to thyroid problems can run in families, making some people more likely to develop goiter.

Symptoms of Goiter

The most recognizable sign of a goiter is swelling at the base of the neck, but symptoms can vary widely depending on the size of the goiter and whether it affects thyroid hormone levels. Some people may not notice anything at all, while others experience discomfort or changes in how they feel day to day.

Common symptoms include:

• Visible swelling in the neck

• A feeling of tightness in the throat

• Coughing or hoarseness

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If the goiter is linked to changes in thyroid hormone production, additional symptoms can appear:

• With hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair thinning, and sensitivity to cold. 

• With hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): Unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, nervousness or anxiety, tremors, and sensitivity to heat.

In some cases, a goiter doesn’t cause any symptoms at all and is only found during a routine exam or imaging test for another condition.

Can a Goiter Go Away on its Own?

Whether a goiter will shrink or resolve without treatment depends largely on what caused it in the first place. Certain small goiters (like those related to temporary changes) may improve over time without the need for medical intervention. 

On the other hand, goiters linked to autoimmune conditions typically don’t go away on their own and usually require treatment to manage thyroid hormone levels and prevent complications. Even when a goiter is asymptomatic, it’s important to keep it monitored by a healthcare provider. Regular checkups and imaging tests can help track any changes and guide the decision to whether treatment is necessary.

Treatment Options for Goiter

The treatment approach for a goiter depends on its size, symptoms, and underlying cause. In many cases, small goiters that don’t cause discomfort or affect thyroid function can simply be observed and monitored over time. Regular checkups allow healthcare providers to track any changes in size or function and intervene if necessary.

For goiters linked to thyroid hormone imbalances, medications may be prescribed. People with hypothyroidism often take levothyroxine to replace missing thyroid hormone, which can sometimes help shrink the goiter. Those with hyperthyroidism may be treated with antithyroid drugs to reduce hormone production. In certain cases, radioactive iodine therapy is used to shrink an overactive thyroid.

Surgery (thyroidectomy) may be recommended for goiters that are very large, causing trouble with breathing or swallowing, or if there is suspicion of cancer. In areas with iodine deficiency, iodine supplementation can help, but it should only be done under medical supervision to avoid complications.

Ultimately, the most effective treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the goiter rather than just the enlargement itself. Managing the root issue ensures better long-term outcomes and prevents the goiter from returning or worsening.

Where Can I Learn More About Thyroid-Related Concerns?

Thyroid issues can be serious, so don’t wait if you suspect you have one. If you’re in menopause and noticing symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or hair thinning, LifeMD’s Women’s Health Programs offer comprehensive testing and personalized treatment plans with medication, lifestyle guidance, and continuous tracking for thyroid concerns. 

Join the waitlist to learn more. 

Taryn Facella-Scheuer, ANP-C

Taryn earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing from Rutgers University, her Master’s in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Master’s in Adult Gerontology Critical Care from the University of Pennsylvania. She has provided care to a wide array of patients across various healthcare settings. Fitness is Taryn’s passion. She weight lifts and runs regularly, and she also enjoys cooking and traveling.

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