Can hypothyroidism cause goitre?

A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland at the front of the neck. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the body may release more thyroid-stimulating hormone, encouraging the gland to work harder and enlarge. Inflammation or an autoimmune thyroid condition can also affect both thyroid function and gland size.

A swelling does not show whether the thyroid is underactive by itself. Blood tests measure thyroid function, while examination and sometimes imaging help assess the shape and cause of the enlargement.

Arrange a medical assessment for a new or changing neck swelling. Bring a list of medicines and mention tiredness, feeling unusually cold, constipation, voice change, swallowing discomfort or a family history of thyroid disease. If hypothyroidism is confirmed, take prescribed replacement hormone as directed and attend planned blood-test reviews; the swelling may need separate assessment.

Seek urgent care for sudden difficulty breathing, severe trouble swallowing, or rapidly increasing neck swelling. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent hoarseness, pain, a firm or irregular lump, or pressure that worsens when lying down. These features need examination and should not be explained by thyroid blood results alone.

Ask which thyroid tests you need, whether the swelling is diffuse or nodular, whether imaging is appropriate, and how treatment will be monitored.