The human body is a complex machine, made up of various organs and glands that work together to maintain life and health. Among these, the parathyroid glands play a crucial role in managing calcium levels, which are vital for many bodily functions. In this article, we will explore everything about the parathyroid, its structure, function, disorders, and ways to keep it healthy, using simple and easy-to-understand language.
The parathyroid gland is a small, pea-shaped gland located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Despite being close to the thyroid, the parathyroid serves a completely different purpose.
Most people have four parathyroid glands, but some might have more or fewer due to natural variations. These glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Calcium is one of the most important minerals in our body. It plays a significant role in:
Without the right levels of calcium, many of these processes can be disrupted, leading to serious health problems.
The parathyroid glands function like a "calcium thermostat" for the body. When calcium levels drop too low or rise too high, the glands release or reduce the production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) to bring levels back to normal.
Here’s how it works:
Although the parathyroid is small, any malfunction can lead to significant health issues. The two most common disorders are:
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, leading to high calcium levels in the blood. There are two types:
Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism:
Hypoparathyroidism happens when the parathyroid glands do not produce enough PTH, resulting in low calcium levels in the blood.
Symptoms of Hypoparathyroidism:
Doctors use a combination of medical history, physical exams, and diagnostic tests to identify parathyroid problems. Common tests include:
The treatment depends on the specific condition and its severity. Here’s a general overview:
Taking care of your parathyroid glands indirectly involves maintaining overall calcium balance in the body. Here are some tips:
Include foods that are high in calcium, such as:
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You can get it from:
Weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, and strength training help maintain bone health.
Drinking enough water prevents kidney stones, especially if you have hyperparathyroidism.
Foods high in phosphorus, like processed meats and soda, can interfere with calcium balance.
If you notice symptoms like persistent fatigue, muscle cramps, bone pain, or mood changes, consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
The amount of calcium in your bones is controlled by the parathyroid glands. You can go through one (or even half) of your parathyroid glands. Removal of all four parathyroid glands will result in severe calcium deficiency (hypoparathyroidism).
Thyroid problems produce abnormal calcium levels in the blood, which can lead to fractures, kidney stones, fatigue, weakness, and other problems.
Monitoring, medication, dietary supplements, and surgery are among the treatments for Parathyroid disease. The most effective way to treat this condition is surgery. It involves the removal of dysfunctional parathyroid glands and can be done with a mild invasion or a routine neck examination.
Vitamin D supplementation can be safely given to selected individuals with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism and is recommended prior to treatment or surgery. While you are getting enough vitamin D, it is a good idea to keep an eye on your serum calcium levels and urine calcium excretion.