The parathyroid gland is a gland that produces parathyroid hormone which plays an important role in regulating calcium levels in the blood. If this gland is disturbed, then you are at risk for various health problems, one of which is bone disorders.
The parathyroid gland is a gland located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands consist of 4 small glands that are about the size of a pea. Despite its small size, the parathyroid glands have great functions in the body.
Some of the Functions of the Parathyroid Gland
Following are some of the functions of the parathyroid glands:
- Regulates the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream.
- Controlling the absorption of calcium from food or drink in the digestive tract.
- Stimulates the formation of vitamin D in the kidneys.
- Increases the absorption of calcium in the kidneys and prevents the kidneys from excreting calcium through urine.
- Makes the kidneys excrete phosphate through urine.
- Increases magnesium levels in the blood.
Calcium levels in the body are tightly regulated by the parathyroid and thyroid glands. Normally, the parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone when the amount of calcium in the blood is reduced or too low. If calcium levels rise and return to normal, parathyroid hormone production will stop.
Conversely, when calcium levels in the blood are too high, the performance of the parathyroid glands will be temporarily inhibited by the hormone calcitonin produced by the thyroid gland. This calcitonin hormone also functions to reduce excessive calcium levels so that calcium levels in the blood return to normal.
Disorders of the Parathyroid Gland
In certain cases, there can be disorders of the parathyroid glands that make these glands produce too much or too little parathyroid hormone. This of course can disrupt the balance of calcium levels in the blood.
Health problems that may occur due to disorders of the hormone and parathyroid glands include:
1. Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood is too high. As a result, bones can become brittle (osteoporosis) and kidney stone formation occurs.
It is not clear what causes hyperparathyroidism. However, genetic factors and certain diseases, such as cancer or parathyroid gland tumors, are thought to cause hyperparathyroidism.
Hyperparathyroidism often has no obvious signs or symptoms. However, hyperparathyroidism can sometimes cause the following symptoms:
- Decreased appetite.
- Digestive disorders, such as, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
- Frequent urination.
- The body feels weak and always tired.
- Bone and joint pain.
- Stomach ache.
- Back pain
- Difficult to concentrate and easy to forget.
2. Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition when the parathyroid glands are underactive and make the levels of parathyroid hormone in the body too low. This disease makes calcium levels in the blood and bones decrease and phosphorus levels increase.
This condition can be caused by various things, such as autoimmune disease, congenital disorders of the parathyroid glands, low levels of magnesium in the blood, complications from surgical removal of the thyroid or parathyroid glands, or side effects of cancer radiation therapy.
People with hypoparathyroidism may experience the following symptoms:
- Sensory disturbances, such as tingling, burning sensation, or numbness, in the lips, fingers, and toes.
- Muscle pain or cramping in the legs, abdomen, or face.
- Muscle spasms or cramps, especially around the mouth, hands, arms, and throat.
- Pain during menstruation.
- Hair loss.
- The skin becomes dry and rough.
- Nails become brittle.
- Psychological problems, such as being easily anxious or depressed.
3. Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a very rare genetic disease. This disease occurs when the body cannot respond to or sense the presence of parathyroid hormone in the body. Patients with this genetic disorder experience symptoms such as hypoparathyroidism, even though parathyroid hormone levels in their bodies are normal.
4. Parathyroid cancer
Parathyroid cancer is a rare type of cancer that usually affects one of the 4 parathyroid glands. Parathyroid cancer is more common in people in their 40s or 50s. Symptoms of parathyroid cancer generally resemble the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism along with the appearance of a lump in the neck, either a lump on the right or left neck, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
Parathyroid gland disorders caused by genetic factors may not be prevented.
However, apart from genetic factors, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of parathyroid gland disease and keep this gland functioning properly, namely exercising regularly, meeting the needs of calcium and vitamin D by eating a balanced nutritious diet, and not smoking.
In addition, it is also important to have regular medical check-ups to the doctor to evaluate the function of the parathyroid glands. If there is an abnormality in the parathyroid gland, the doctor will provide treatment according to the type of disease in the thyroid gland that you are experiencing and the cause.