Your body stimulates the gland to grow in an attempt to make more thyroid hormone, resulting in a goiter. We treat this type of goiter by replacing the hormone. This generally stabilizes the size of the gland, so there won't be any further growth, but it doesn't always shrink it.

Can a goiter shrink on its own?

A simple goiter may disappear on its own, or may become larger. Over time, the thyroid gland may stop making enough thyroid hormone.

Can you shrink goiters?

Treatment involves getting the thyroid hormone levels back to normal, usually with medication. When the medication takes effect, the thyroid may begin to return to its normal size. However, a large nodular goiter with a lot of internal scar tissue will not shrink with treatment.