Why is it that goitre affects women more than men?

Goitre, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, affects women more than men primarily due to hormonal differences and increased susceptibility to autoimmune conditions, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, which are more common in females. Additionally, factors such as pregnancy and menopause can influence thyroid function and exacerbate goitre development. Furthermore, dietary deficiencies, particularly iodine, may also play a role, especially in populations where women are more likely to be affected by such deficiencies.