Does the size of a goitre go down after pregnan... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

140,947 members166,079 posts

Does the size of a goitre go down after pregnancy/menopause

Ragstar profile image
5 Replies

Hi all, I'm just reading the British Thyroid Foundation page re. enlarged nodular goitre (which I have). It states that 'women often develop thyroid enlargement during pregnancy and the menopause'. Does the thyroid enlargement go down when pregnancy/menopause have passed? or does it just herald the start of thyroid problems for the future?

I'm feeling very gloomy about having a fat neck - which today feels bigger/lumpier in my throat - can they wax and wane?

Written by
Ragstar profile image
Ragstar
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
5 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Ragstar,

It is normal for the thyroid gland to expand and contract before and after a menstrual period. I suppose a goitre might shrink if pregnancy hormones caused expansion of the goitre but I can't see why a goitre would shrink post menopause.

Ragstar profile image
Ragstar in reply toClutter

thanks Clutter!

so I'm stuck with it then! I hoped it might be a temporary condition.

It's not huge, but I wouldn't want it to get any bigger, I already find it uncomfortable to wear round neck clothing and my neck spills over the top of the tighter t-shirts.

My neck is fatter all over - especially under my chin which has become very fluid filled, is that something other people have found. I've also put weight on all over, but my chin and neck seem to have got more than their fair share :-)

Glynisrose profile image
Glynisrose

The BTF website is about as much use as a chocolate rocket to the sun and back. I avoid it and the BTA site.

Ragstar profile image
Ragstar

thank you Sandy!

Ragstar profile image
Ragstar

Glynisrose,

is Thyroid UK ok? I had noticed a vast difference in approach between the two sites. Ironically my consultant, who I'm finding a bit immovable, and whose views seem to be very much BTA was a guest speaker for them recently!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Pregnancy disrupts the accuracy of automated fT4 immunoassays

This paper includes: Indeed the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry working group...
helvella profile image
Administrator

Thyroid goiter the size of a melon

My wife developed a persistant cough while running, so she went to the doctor's who found a small...
davelinks profile image

Dealing with dismissive doctors...advice?

Hi everyone, I've had lots of symptoms of an under-active thyroid for around 3 years, and, not...

Maternal thyroid disorder in pregnancy and risk of cerebral palsy in the child: a population-based cohort study

It is difficult to know quite how much of a finding this is. I suspect we in the UK might question...
helvella profile image
Administrator

What does "just on the borderline of 25"?

Hi all, I have been on thyroxine for around 18mths and I started of with 50mg and now on 175mg....
Teanna profile image

Moderation team

See all
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.