Parathyroid gland disorders- Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Parathyroid gland disorder (Hyperparathyroidism)?

The parathyroid glands are small glands located near the neck and the thyroid gland. These glands produce a parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps to regulate the balance of calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Disorders of the parathyroid glands can occur when there is an imbalance in the production or regulation of PTH. This can lead to a number of different conditions, which are listed below.

Hyperparathyroidism

This occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, leading to high calcium levels in the blood. This can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, kidney stones and can also lead to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).

Hypoparathyroidism

This occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH, leading to low calcium levels in the blood. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle cramps and can also lead to tetany (involuntary muscle contractions).

Parathyroid adenoma

This is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that occurs in one of the parathyroid glands. It can cause hyperparathyroidism, leading to high levels of calcium in the blood.

Parathyroid carcinoma

This rare parathyroid gland cancer can cause hyperparathyroidism, leading to high levels of calcium in the blood.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to a parathyroid gland disorder, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment may include medications, surgery or a combination of both.

What will occur if there is an excess of parathyroid hormone in the blood?

Too much parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the bloodstream can lead to a condition called hyperparathyroidism. This can cause a number of problems, including 

• Calcium imbalance
• Kidney problems
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea

What will happen if there is less parathyroid hormone circulating?

If less parathyroid hormone (PTH) is circulating in the body, it can lead to Hypoparathyroidism. The parathyroid glands secrete PTH, a hormone that aids in controlling the body’s calcium levels.

It does this by increasing calcium absorption from the gut and releasing calcium from bone tissue into the bloodstream.

In Hypoparathyroidism, insufficient PTH is produced, leading to low levels of calcium in the bloodstream. Some of the symptoms, include:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Numbness and tingling in the fingers, toes
• Muscle cramps and spasms
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Dry skin and hair

If left untreated, Parathyroid gland disorder can lead to more severe health problems, such as osteoporosis (weakened bones), kidney stones and seizures.

What causes parathyroid gland disorder?

There are several potential causes of parathyroid gland disorders. The most common cause is hyperparathyroidism, which is characterized by the overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). This may be brought on by a variety of causes, such as:

1. Adenoma: This is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour that grows on one of the parathyroid glands and causes it to produce too much PTH.

2. Hyperplasia: This occurs when one or more parathyroid glands expand and produce an excessive amount of PTH.

3. Parathyroid cancer: While rare, cancer of the parathyroid gland can also cause hyperparathyroidism.

4. Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney failure and vitamin D deficiency, can also cause hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism

A disorder known as primary hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid glands overproduce parathyroid hormone (PTH). This can lead to a number of problems, including:

1. Calcium imbalance

PTH helps regulate the balance of calcium in the body. Too much PTH can cause the body to take calcium from the bones, leading to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures. It can also cause high levels of calcium in the blood, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness and confusion.

2. Kidney problems: PTH can interfere with the kidneys’ capacity to remove waste from the blood. This can lead to kidney damage and an increased risk of kidney stones.

3. Other symptoms: Primary hyperparathyroidism can cause abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nausea.

Surgery is typically used to remove the hyperactive glands from the body. In some cases, medication may be used to control PTH levels. It is important to get treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism, as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the parathyroid glands, which are small glands located in the neck, produce high level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in response to low levels of calcium in the bloodstream. Some of the underlying conditions are:

1. Chronic kidney disease: Low blood calcium levels brought on by chronic renal disease can enhance PTH production.

2. Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the diet. A deficiency in vitamin D can cause low calcium levels and lead to an increase in PTH production.

3. Malabsorption disorders: Certain conditions that affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, can cause low calcium levels and increase PTH production.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism can cause a number of problems, including weak bones and an increased risk of fractures, kidney damage and other symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite and nausea.

Treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism may include medications to control PTH levels and treatment for the condition’s underlying cause.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism

Thinning bones

Too much PTH can cause the body to take calcium from the bones, leading to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures.

This can occur in both primary hyperparathyroidism and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Kidney stones

PTH can affect the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products from the blood. When there is too much PTH, it can cause the kidneys to produce too much of a waste product called calcium phosphate, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Kidney stones can cause symptoms such as pain in the side or lower back, blood in the urine and frequent urination. They can also lead to kidney damage if left untreated. It is important to get treated for hyperparathyroidism to prevent these complications.

Reduced kidney function

Parathyroid glands overproduce parathyroid hormone due to the disorder hyperparathyroidism (HPT) (PTH). This alters the body’s blood calcium level and raises the risk of renal failure.

Diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism

A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history to diagnose hyperparathyroidism. They may also order a number of tests, including:

1. Blood tests: These can help measure calcium and PTH levels in the blood and help determine if hyperparathyroidism is present.

2. Urinalysis: This test looks at the presence of calcium in the urine, which can be elevated in people with hyperparathyroidism.

3. Bone density test: This test uses a machine to measure the density of the bones, which can help determine if bone loss has occurred due to hyperparathyroidism.

4. Imaging tests: These may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans to visualize the parathyroid glands and check for any abnormalities.

A healthcare provider may also recommend a parathyroid hormone (PTH) suppression test if hyperparathyroidism is suspected. This involves measuring PTH levels before and after the patient takes a calcium supplement. If PTH levels do not drop after taking the supplement, it may indicate hyperparathyroidism.

In some cases, a surgical procedure called parathyroidectomy may be necessary to remove one or more of the parathyroid glands. This is typically done when other treatment options have been ineffective or if there is evidence of cancer in the glands.

Treatment of hyperparathyroidism

The treatment of hyperparathyroidism depends on the type and severity of the condition. Hyperparathyroidism can be either primary or secondary.

Treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism usually involves surgery to remove the overactive gland(s). This is typically done through a minimally invasive procedure called a parathyroidectomy. In some cases, medication may be used to control PTH levels in conjunction with surgery or as an alternative to surgery.

Treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism may include medications to control PTH levels. For example, if secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by chronic kidney disease, treatment may involve medications to prevent the kidney disease or dialysis.

It is important to get treatment for hyperparathyroidism to prevent complications such as osteoporosis, kidney stones and other health problems. It is also important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for ongoing monitoring and management of the condition.

Prevention of hyperparathyroidism

You can take the following actions to lower your risk of hyperparathyroidism.

1. Get enough calcium and vitamin D

Make sure you are getting enough Calcium and vitamin D nutrients in your diet.

2. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy bones.

3. Avoid smoking 

Smoking can increase your risk of developing hyperparathyroidism and other health problems.

4. Manage chronic medical conditions

If you have a chronic medical condition such as kidney disease or celiac disease, it is important to manage it properly to reduce your risk of developing hyperparathyroidism.

5. Avoid Exposure to high radiation levels

If you work in an occupation that involves exposure to radiation, ensure you follow safety guidelines to reduce your risk of developing hyperparathyroidism.

Conclusion

Most cases of hyperparathyroidism can be cured surgically. Making various healthy lifestyle decisions can help you combat symptoms if you and your primary care provider decide to monitor your illness rather than treat it. Get plenty of water to drink and move frequently. Additionally, it would help if you keep an eye on your calcium and vitamin D intake.

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