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What is Parathyroid? |
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Symptoms
The parathyroid hormone aids in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, and parathyroid disorders either cause the parathyroid gland to either produce too much of it (hyperparathyroidism) or too little (hypoparathyroidism). In the latter, the excess in production causes a mineral imbalance, one which leads to thirst and frequent urination, kidney stones, stomach pain, osteoporosis, memory lapses and muscle debilitation. With hypoparathyroidism, the insufficiency causes abnormally-low calcium levels, and this leads to numerous symptoms, including prickling sensations on the lips and fingers; muscle spasms, cramps or aching, especially on the limbs, stomach, and the face; physical debilitation; hair loss which occurs in patches; nail splitting, or a malformation of the same; painful menstrual discharge; dry, rough skin; agitation; headaches; and mood swings.
Causes
Hyperparathyroidism may be classified as either primary or secondary; the former is often caused by a non-malignant tumor on either parathyroid gland (called an adenoma), although an enlargement of both glands (hyperplasia) can also cause them to create too much of the hormone. Secondary hyperparathyroidism happens when a preexisting condition encourages the glands to secrete too much of the hormone, as a response to low amounts of circulated calcium. Renal failure, problems with nutrient absorption, rickets, and vitamin deficiency are the usual causes for this type. Hypoparathyroidism may either be hereditary or acquired; the parathyroid glands are either not existent upon birth with the former, or they carry an innate dysfunction. Acquired hypoparathyroidism develops following an accidental trauma to the glands, or after their surgical removal.
Diagnosis
A blood test should reveal increased levels of calcium mineral and parathyroid hormone, and assist in a diagnosis for hyperparathyroidism; once this is reached, the doctor may order tests to be conducted in an attempt to look for potential complications. A bone mineral density analysis (or bone densitometry) is a quick procedure which provides the doctor with a density measurement of the spine, hip, and wrist bones. A sample of the patient’s urine may also be examined in accordance with an abdominal X-ray, in an effort to spot kidney stones. In order to reach a diagnosis for hypoparathyroidism, the doctor compares the patient’s medical history with his or her physical symptoms, and follows it through with procedures for measuring the amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and the parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Further testing which involve ECG, urine, and bone density measurements may be conducted as needed.
Treatment Info
Primary hyperparathyroidism may be treated by surgically removing either or both of the patient’s thyroid glands (particularly for those with recurring symptoms of the condition), and for females who are past the menopausal phase, oral estrogen therapy may be administered as a replacement. A drug called cinacalcet is also widely used for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism, particularly in people with renal illness and parathyroid cancer. Patients with hypoparathyroidism can bring their calcium and phosphorus levels back to normal with supplements of calcium carbonate and vitamin D, in accordance with a daily diet which is rich in calcium and low in phosphorus. If the essential mineral remains at low levels in spite of treatment, the doctor may also prescribe a diuretic drug.
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