Goiter risk factors

Risk factors in the development of goiter include non-iodized salt, age over 45 years, female gender, drugs and radiation therapies.

Risk factors in the development of goiter include the following:^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]}

• Common risk factors in the development of goiter may be occupational, diet related, environmental, genetic, age and sex related
• Common risk factors in the development of goiter include:
  • Table salt deficient in dietary iodine.
  • Individuals above the age of 40 years may have a higher chance of developing goiters.
  • Females are more more likely to develop goiters and prone to get affected by thyroid disorders.
  • For reasons unclear, thyroid disorders tend to occur more during pregnancy and during menopause.
  • Drugs used in the treatment of heart ailments such as amiodarone and also in psychiatric treatments such as lithium. Some other drugs include phenylbutazone, or aminoglutethimide and propylthiouracil.
  • Radiation therapies focused on the neck and the chest regions.
  • Positive family history of goiter.

• Less common risk factors in the development of goiter include:
  • Family history of autoimmune disorders, ^[11]
  • Radiation leak and exposure to hazardous radiations as a result of nuclear reactor accidents, ^[12]
  • Cigarette smoking, ^[13][14]
  • Emotional stress, ^[15]
  • Infections (rare), ^[15]
  • Goitrogenic foods: ^[16]
    • Higher risk (higher amounts of goitrogens):
      • Cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, mustard and mustard greens, radishes, rutabagas, soybeans and turnips.
    • Lower risk (smaller amounts of goitrogens):
      • Fruits (peaches, pears, strawberries), nuts (peanuts, pine nuts), bamboo shoots, sweet potatoes and spinach.

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