Goiter is a problem that is caused by an overgrown thyroid gland in the throat. This problem can occur either due to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Most of the cases of goiter were previously brought to light in cases of hypothyroidism but it has been proven that complicated mechanisms in the levels of thyroid hormones can make hyperthyroidism also a causative factor. The thyroid glands are responsible for regulating metabolism, mood, and other body processes. Therefore, the elevated or depleted levels of these hormones can cause massive changes in the body from the heart to the reproductive system, and can even affect the brain.
The thyroid gland is stimulated by the pituitary gland to produce two hormones - thyroxin and triiodothyronine - by yet another hormone called thyrotropin or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). The pituitary gland is further stimulated by a portion of the brain called the hypothalamus, by yet another hormone called Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH). These are all names that you will find in the blood tests that you have to conduct frequently if you have thyroid problems. Goiter is caused by low levels of thyroxin and triiodothyronine secretions. This causes more TSH to be secreted, and in response to this, the cells of the thyroid gland start to multiply to produce more thyroid hormones. This is why the thyroid gland appears swollen and enlarged - it has actually grown bigger. The causative factor for this is sometimes low iodine levels in the diet, which can be corrected by using iodized salt. But no matter what you do to stabilize iodine levels after the formation of a goiter, a goiter will not reduce in size because it is not a swelling.
The only treatment for a goiter is to either have it surgically reduced in size by cutting out some parts of the gland or the use of a radioactive isotope of iodine. The iodine that is injected into the body is then immediately taken up by the enlarged thyroid gland and the radioactivity will destroy the cells of the thyroid gland, thus reducing it in size. There are no natural treatments to reduce the size of a goiter and doctors usually advise the surgical option for treating a goiter. This is because of the imbalanced way in which the radioactive isotope of iodine can kill cells. For treating goiter, it is best that you consult a surgeon and fix a date and time for the surgery.
answered by G M