Today we are going to talk about some very small, but very important glands in our body. You may not have heard much about them. These are called the parathyroid glands. Although they are about the size of a pea, these glands are like heroes that control the calcium levels in our body. Let's see what they are, what they do, and what problems they can cause.
What are these parathyroid glands?
Simply put, your parathyroid glands are four small, pea-sized endocrine glands tucked into the back of your thyroid gland in your neck. These glands produce and release an important hormone called Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) . This hormone helps control the level of calcium in your blood. Isn't that important?
How many parathyroid glands do we have?
Most people have four of these parathyroid glands. But some studies have shown that some people may have fewer or more than four. It's not a big deal, no matter the number, as long as they're working properly.
What actually happens to these parathyroid glands?
Your parathyroid glands have one main job: to make parathyroid hormone (PTH) and release it into your bloodstream. This hormone, along with another hormone called calcitonin (produced by the thyroid gland), works to precisely control the amount of calcium in your blood. Think about it, too much calcium in your blood can cause problems, and too little can cause problems. So this system needs to work properly.
Why is calcium so important for our bodies?
Calcium is a very important and common mineral in our body. 99% of the total calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth . The other 1% circulates in the blood. Although this is a small amount, this calcium in the blood is very essential. Do you know why?
- Your nerves need to work properly . Think about it, when you want to touch something, that message goes through your nerves. That requires calcium.
- Help your muscles contract and help you move . When you lift an arm or walk, muscles work. Calcium is essential for that too.
- When you have a wound and are bleeding, help the blood clot . Otherwise, even a small wound can become a big problem.
- Your heart needs calcium to function properly . The heart muscle also needs calcium to beat properly.
Look how much this little bit of calcium can do! Also, Vitamin D is very important for maintaining calcium levels in the blood. Because our body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium from food. We get vitamin D from sunlight, and it is also found in some foods.
Where are these parathyroid glands located?
For most people (about 80%), these four parathyroid glands are located in the shape of a butterfly in your neck, tucked in behind it. Normally, there are two glands on either side of the two "wings" of the thyroid gland.
However, sometimes your parathyroid glands can be located in your neck, along the esophagus, or in your chest (more precisely , in the mediastinum, the middle part of the chest). Doctors call these 'ectopic' parathyroid glands , which means "in an unusual place." About 16% of people may have these 'ectopic' glands.
Having 'ectopic' parathyroid glands is usually nothing to worry about. However, if one or more of them are producing too much PTH, it may be difficult for your doctor to find them if they need to be removed surgically.
What do the parathyroid glands look like?
Your parathyroid glands are very small – each about the size and shape of a pea . But in some people, these glands can become overactive and enlarged.
What are the conditions that affect the parathyroid glands?
There are two main conditions related to the parathyroid glands: hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism . Let's talk about each one.
What is Hyperparathyroidism?
This happens when one or more of your parathyroid glands become overactive and release too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This causes the calcium level in your blood to rise above the normal level. We call this hypercalcemia .
There are ways your parathyroid glands can naturally produce more hormones:
- As a response to certain diseases.
- If you are deficient in Vitamin D.
- If you have kidney function problems, to help maintain normal blood calcium levels.
Doctors call this condition secondary hyperparathyroidism . If this process continues for a long time, it can lead to other health problems, such as bone weakness.
On the other hand, sometimes there's a problem with your parathyroid glands themselves (something that directly affects the glands themselves) that can cause them to become overactive, raising your blood calcium levels. This is what doctors call primary hyperparathyroidism .
Most people with primary hyperparathyroidism do not experience symptoms because hypercalcemia is often discovered early on, such as when a blood test is done for another reason.
However, in more severe and/or long-term cases of hypercalcemia, symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination.
- Excessive thirst (polydipsia).
- Fatigue .
- Bone pain.
- Headaches.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Decrease in appetite.
- Forgetfulness, depression, or irritability .
- Muscle aches, weakness, cramping and/or twitches.
What is a parathyroid adenoma?
A parathyroid adenoma is a benign / noncancerous growth , similar to a small tumor, that develops on one or more of your parathyroid glands. This is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. Don't worry, it's not cancer. Usually, the problem is resolved by removing the tumor with surgery.
Let's also learn about parathyroid cancer.
Parathyroid cancer can also cause primary hyperparathyroidism. However, this is very rare . Parathyroid cancer accounts for only 0.005% of all cancers. Also, these cancers account for between 0.5% and 1% of all conditions related to the parathyroid glands.
What is Hypoparathyroidism?
This is a very rare condition. What happens is that your blood levels of parathyroid hormone `(PTH)` decrease. This causes your blood calcium levels to decrease – we call it hypocalcemia – and your blood phosphorus levels to increase – we call it hyperphosphatemia .
About 75% of cases of hypoparathyroidism are caused by accidental damage to the parathyroid glands during neck surgery or thyroid surgery . In addition, it can also be caused by certain genetic and autoimmune conditions.
Unless the cause is surgery, hypoparathyroidism often develops gradually, so symptoms may be mild. Symptoms may include:
- Tingling in the lips, fingertips, and toes .
- Muscle cramps.
- Muscle spasms.
- Abdominal pain.
- “Brain fog” or confusion.
- Abnormal heart rhythm / arrhythmia.
- Brittle nails.
- Dry hair and dry, scaly skin.
- Cataracts.
- Weakened tooth enamel (in children).
What can I do to keep my parathyroid glands healthy?
Because your parathyroid glands are well-protected behind your thyroid gland, they're not easily damaged. You don't need to do anything special to keep these glands healthy. However, there are a few things you can do to help your parathyroid glands keep your blood calcium levels in a healthy range:
- Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for maintaining stable blood calcium levels. Ask your doctor if you need to take a vitamin D supplement. This can often be obtained by spending some time in the sun during the day.
- Make sure you're getting enough calcium in your diet: A lack of calcium in your body can contribute to blood calcium problems. Good sources of calcium include milk, yogurt, cheese, green vegetables, and small fish (eaten with bones). If you're unsure whether you're getting enough calcium in your daily diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Remember, these are just some tips. If you have any symptoms, you should definitely seek medical advice. Do not self-medicate.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Your parathyroid glands are small, but powerful glands that are essential for keeping your blood calcium levels stable. Most people don't even think about them – or even hear about them – until something goes wrong. If you have symptoms of high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) or low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), tell your doctor right away . They can do simple blood tests to find the cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Being aware of these little glands is very important for your overall health. Because the service they silently perform is immense! Stay healthy!
` Parathyroid glands, calcium, parathyroid hormone, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D, hormones
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