It is easy to confuse the thyroid and parathyroid glands. Both are endocrine glands located at the front of the neck. Despite their similar sounding names, that's where their similarities end with one exception: Although the parathyroid glands control calcium levels, the thyroid gland makes and stores calcitonin, a calcium-regulating hormone.
Let's analyze this so you know the difference: The Thyroid Factor Review gland produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic rates, body temperature, energy levels, play a key role in the use of other hormones and vitamins, and participate in growth and maturation of the body. tissues The thyroid gland also stores and manufactures calcitonin.
The parathyroid glands are 4 small glands that reside behind the thyroid gland. Its purpose is to control the calcium in our bodies. Specifically, they control how much calcium is in our bones and blood. Obviously, the focus of the parathyroid glands is much more limited than the thyroid, but they play a very important role.
When the parathyroid glands become overactive, this is called hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms and signs of hyperparathyroidism are:
Chronic fatigue
Lack of motivation
Lack of concentration
Depression
Osteoporosis
Bone-ache
Trouble sleeping
Drowsiness
Irritability
Memory loss
Heartburn (GERD)
Decreased sexual desire
Thinning hair
Kidney stones
Development of MGUS and abnormal blood levels of proteins.
High cardiac rhythm
Heart palpitations
Hypertension
Blood tests with high liver function
In general, the longer you have hyperparathyroidism, the more of these symptoms you will experience. As you can see, some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with those of hyperparathyroidism. That is why it is vital to perform the correct blood test when evaluating the thyroid gland. If your blood tests show elevated calcium levels and decreased vitamin D levels, hyperparathyroidism is part of your differential diagnosis.
Many patients with thyroid disease only receive a test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) when they are evaluated. A more comprehensive panel, including at least ten different tests, is necessary to fully determine the type and severity of thyroid disease presented by the patient.
In addition to ruling out parathyroid involvement, autoimmune conditions should also be considered when diagnosing those with suspected thyroid disease. It is now accepted that 80-90% of thyroid cases in the US are an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Laboratory tests, which detect antibodies, may be ordered to rule out this common thyroid condition.
The importance of forming a complete diagnosis cannot be overstated. Parathyroid conditions (hyperparathyroidism) can generally be successfully resolved with surgery, while thyroid problems require a more complex treatment approach.
Let's analyze this so you know the difference: The Thyroid Factor Review gland produces thyroid hormones that regulate metabolic rates, body temperature, energy levels, play a key role in the use of other hormones and vitamins, and participate in growth and maturation of the body. tissues The thyroid gland also stores and manufactures calcitonin.
The parathyroid glands are 4 small glands that reside behind the thyroid gland. Its purpose is to control the calcium in our bodies. Specifically, they control how much calcium is in our bones and blood. Obviously, the focus of the parathyroid glands is much more limited than the thyroid, but they play a very important role.
When the parathyroid glands become overactive, this is called hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms and signs of hyperparathyroidism are:
Chronic fatigue
Lack of motivation
Lack of concentration
Depression
Osteoporosis
Bone-ache
Trouble sleeping
Drowsiness
Irritability
Memory loss
Heartburn (GERD)
Decreased sexual desire
Thinning hair
Kidney stones
Development of MGUS and abnormal blood levels of proteins.
High cardiac rhythm
Heart palpitations
Hypertension
Blood tests with high liver function
In general, the longer you have hyperparathyroidism, the more of these symptoms you will experience. As you can see, some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with those of hyperparathyroidism. That is why it is vital to perform the correct blood test when evaluating the thyroid gland. If your blood tests show elevated calcium levels and decreased vitamin D levels, hyperparathyroidism is part of your differential diagnosis.
Many patients with thyroid disease only receive a test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) when they are evaluated. A more comprehensive panel, including at least ten different tests, is necessary to fully determine the type and severity of thyroid disease presented by the patient.
In addition to ruling out parathyroid involvement, autoimmune conditions should also be considered when diagnosing those with suspected thyroid disease. It is now accepted that 80-90% of thyroid cases in the US are an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Laboratory tests, which detect antibodies, may be ordered to rule out this common thyroid condition.
The importance of forming a complete diagnosis cannot be overstated. Parathyroid conditions (hyperparathyroidism) can generally be successfully resolved with surgery, while thyroid problems require a more complex treatment approach.