Thyroid gland: the size does matter

28 octombrie 2025

2 min de lectură

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The size of the thyroid gland depends on several factors including age, sex, and weight. Its volume is normal for women up to 18 ml and in men up to 21 ml. If it is larger, it is worth seeing a doctor. And here's why.

Concluzii cheie

The size of the thyroid gland depends on several factors including age, sex, and weight.
Size as a symptom
Warning signs

Pentru cine este

Persoane care explorează Hormones and thyroid prin intermediul thyroid, hormones.

De ce contează

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Autorul articolului

Dr. Oxana

Endocrinologist

Size as a symptom

An enlarged thyroid gland is not an external defect, but a sign of potential health problems. For example, this happens with an increase in hormone production (hyperthyroidism), with a decrease in hormone production (hypothyroidism), and with benign and malignant formations.

The work of the thyroid gland affects the health of the whole body. Any disorders of its function lead to hormonal imbalance. Thyroid disorders affect metabolism, sleep, the work of internal organs, and the menstrual cycle. This problem is most often faced by women because throughout their lives they go through hormonal changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. In men, the health of the thyroid is affected by working at a harmful job, steroid use, or physical or emotional overload.

Warning signs

Problems with the thyroid gland will not only show up in the thyroid’s volume. There will be several other alarming symptoms that will appear. It all starts with changes in appearance: dull hair, broken nails, a deteriorating complexion, and trembling hands. Other symptoms are also indicative of problems:

Irregular menstrual cycle, difficulties with conception, pronounced premenstrual syndrome in women
Apathy, constant fatigue, and depression
Elevated cholesterol and blood sugar
Poor sleep
Problems with thermoregulation
Unexplained weight fluctuations
The feeling of pressure, mild dry cough, trouble swallowing, hoarseness of voice

Getting an examination

If the size of the gland is enlarged, you should not delay getting examined by your doctor. This is true even if the symptoms are not pronounced. Your doctor will most likely have you undergo a few simple tests including blood tests for hormones TSH, T4, and T3 as well as an ultrasound of the thyroid.

In the initial stage, an increase in the thyroid gland can be corrected by medication, with the help of drugs containing iodine, and a special diet. If started in time, treatment can reduce the thyroid gland to its original size and avoid dangerous complications.

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