Difference in Goiter Prevalence Between Genders: a Metaanalysis of Literature

Several studies have shown that goiter is more prevalent in females than in males, although before puberty there is no difference between genders, indicating that sex steroids may play a role in thyroid volume. Iodine deficiency may result in an increase prevalence in goiter prevalence but the difference between genders is not clear. This study is a metaanalysis of studies that have compared goiter prevalence between genders at different ages, with differing iodine status.

This is a systematic review and metaanalysis based on Cochrane’ criteria. Databases of MEDLINE-EMBASE-Cochrane and Persian databases of Iranmedex– Magiran- SID- Irondoc were searched and all articles on goiter in both sexes goiter were examined were included.

A hundred and five studies, with total number of 429252 individuals, age range 1-80 y, were included. Odds ratio of female to male goiter was OR=1.39 (95%CI=1.28-1.51), a ratio higher in longstanding iodine insufficient areas, than in areas of recent iodine sufficiency (1.94 vs. 1.36), the difference in iodine sufficient area being non significant. This ratio for grade 2 of goiter was higher than grade 1(1.78 vs. 1.30), and in persons> 15 years old rose significantly, especially in iodine deficient areas.

Goiter is more prevalent in females than in males.