Did you know? Four pea-sized parathyroid glands are located around the thyroid in your neck. While their names are similar, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are completely different. “Para” means “near,” and these glands are part of the endocrine system, which consists of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. The main function of the parathyroid glands is to make the parathyroid hormone (PTH) to regulate the amounts of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in your bones and blood.

Calcium is vital to the function of our muscles and nerve cells. The minerals calcium and phosphorus are also important for healthy bones. When calcium levels in the blood are too low, the parathyroid glands release extra PTH, which takes calcium from the bones and stimulates calcium reabsorption in the kidney. If the level of calcium in the blood is too high, the glands reduce hormone production. If your parathyroid glands make too little of these minerals or are enlarged and make too much, it disrupts the balance, resulting in hypoparathyroidism or hyperparathyroidism.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is usually discovered through a blood or urine test to determine PTH, calcium and phosphate levels. Imaging of the neck may be done to further investigate any abnormal parathyroid gland(s) or to help guide any surgical treatment. Such imaging may include ultrasound, nuclear medicine parathyroid scan or four-dimensional CT scan.

Hyperparathyroidism:
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include:

• Muscle spasm
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)
• Kidney disease/stones
• Depression
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Parathyroidectomy is the standard treatment for hyperparathyroidism. This is a minimally invasive surgery to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands. The surgery is done in the hospital by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician. The physicians at Prevea Health are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperparathyroidism and have been performing parathyroidectomy for more than 20 years.

Hypoparathyroidism:
Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include:

• A tingling sensation in your fingertips, toes and lips
• Twitching facial muscles
• Muscle pains or cramps, particularly in your legs, feet or tummy
• Fatigue
• Mood changes, such as feeling irritable, anxious or depressed
• Dry, rough skin
• Coarse hair that breaks easily and may fall out
• Fingernails that break easily

Hypoparathyroidism is very uncommon. However, for those who do have it, standard treatment is the consumption of vitamin D and calcium supplements. Some people may also need magnesium supplements, which may require taking many pills throughout the day. Treatment will need to be managed by a doctor to ensure you don’t take too much calcium which can lead to other health issues.

Changing your diet may also be recommended. You may be asked to eat foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, breakfast cereals, fortified orange juice, and green, leafy vegetables. You may also need to avoid eating foods high in phosphorus, such as meat, poultry, fish, nuts, whole grains and beans.

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