Parathyroid

Introduction

The Parathyroid hormone is produced in the human body by four parathyroid glands. These glands, which are about the size of a grain of wheat or rice, are an important element of the endocrine system. They are located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. 

The calcium levels in the blood are constantly monitored and regulated by these glands. Calcium balance is important for maintaining bone density. The regular and careful delivery of calcium restores the reduced bone mass. The hormone parathyroid hormone regulates the process (PTH).

Let’s discuss the clear Parathyroid definition first! 

Meaning and function of Parathyroid hormone

The Parathyroid glands release a hormone that aids in the regulation of blood calcium levels. A shortage of the hormone will cause calcium levels to become unbalanced, causing brittleness in the bones and too much of it can cause kidney stones to form. Normal PTH levels are necessary for good health.

Types of Parathyroid Hormone

It is divided into two types:

• Parathormone.
• Calcitonin.

The major function of parathyroid glands is to keep calcium levels in the blood within a narrow range. The amount of calcium in the bones and the strength of the bones are both managed by the Parathyroid glands. 

These glands, on the other hand, are located close to the thyroid gland and serve no use. Some of the Parathyroid examples include the most affected organs: 

• Bones: The hormone parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases the flow of calcium from bone reserves into the flow.
• Intestines: PTH enhances calcium absorption in the intestine by meals as a result of its effects and effects on vitamin D metabolism.
• Kidneys: PTH reduces calcium loss in the urine while also promoting active vitamin D synthesis in the kidneys.

Functions of the Parathyroid Hormones

The principal function of the Parathyroid hormone, also known as parathormone, is to manage the density of bones by controlling calcium levels in the blood. It also aids in the creation of activated vitamin D, which increases calcium absorption in the intestine. 

Furthermore, the hormone aids in the reabsorption of calcium from the proximal tubule, distal tubule and renal collecting ducts during the breakdown of calcium from the bones.

The control of phosphate is another key function of the parathyroid hormone. PTH also aids in the reduction of phosphate reabsorption from the proximal tubule of the kidneys and the excretion of the remaining phosphate by urination. 

It, on the other hand, absorbs phosphate from the bones and intestines and transports it into the bloodstream. It affects calcium and phosphate absorption in the intestines via controlling activated vitamin D.

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in PTH levels in the affected person’s blood. It’s brought on by a malfunction within or outside the glands. Primary hyperparathyroidism is the internal malfunction, while secondary hyperparathyroidism is the exterior dysfunction.

(1) Primary Hyperparathyroidism- Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much parathyroid hormone.

There is an anomaly inside or close to the parathyroid glands in this type of ailment; for example, a malignant or non-cancerous tumorous growth on the gland, or hyperplasia, which is an enlargement of at least two of the glands. Primary hyperparathyroidism can also be passed down through the generations. 

(2) Secondary Hyperparathyroidism– It’s an issue that leads to an overproduction of parathyroid hormones, but it’s not caused by any physical abnormalities in the parathyroid glands. PTH overproduction might have serious consequences for the person who is affected. Kidney stones can form as a result of significant and persistent calcification, which is a major risk factor. This can cause intense kidney pain, especially during urination.

Parathyroid Hormone Levels

What if the Parathyroid hormone level is abnormally high?

Hyperparathyroidism is caused by too much parathyroid hormone in the blood, which causes greater calcium levels in the blood.

The most prevalent symptoms in people with Parathyroid disease include depression, irritability, insomnia, memory loss, lack of energy and worry due to over secretion of parathyroid hormone.

It is of three types:

• Primary
• Secondary 
• Tertiary hyperparathyroidism

Calcium levels are elevated in primary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism due to excessive parathyroid hormone release.

Calcium levels are low in secondary hyperparathyroidism due to other reasons such as kidney failure.

What if there isn’t enough Parathyroid hormone?

A low amount of parathyroid hormone is an uncommon disorder that causes significantly inferior calcium levels. Vitamin D analogues and calcium supplements are used to treat it medically.

When calcium levels drop, people experience tingling or cramping in their hand muscles. A quick dip might make a person feel strange, foggy and cause their brain to malfunction.

Treatment

Antithyroid medications and radioactive iodine therapy are two treatments for hyperparathyroidism. The condition can be solved by surgically removing non-cancerous parathyroid adenomas as well as the cancerous tumour. Intravenous calcium gluconate can assist people with hypoparathyroidism in restoring the proper quantity of calcium in their bodies. 

For someone with an irreversible disease, injections of recombinant human parathyroid hormone combined with calcium supplementation can be a lifelong treatment.

Conclusion

We’ve learnt all about Parathyroid, its classification, Parathyroid examples and many more. Parathyroid hormone is produced by four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. It’s main function is to regulate calcium levels in the blood. This hormone is divided into: Parathormone and Calcitonin. Along with regulating levels of calcium it also helps in creation of activated vitamin D and also controls the amount of Phosphate. An abnormal increase in the amount of Parathormone causes Hyperparathyroidism.