Parathyroid Glands

Are the parathyroid glands different to the thyroid glands? In a word, yes!

The parathyroid glands are 4 pea-sized glands located behind both lobes of the thyroid gland.

The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone which help regulate calcium levels in the blood. Calcium is important in regulating the heart, nervous system, bones and muscles.

Parathyroid hormone is released when calcium levels in the blood are low, causing bones to release calcium, stops the kidneys allowing calcium being lost in the urine, but also stimulates the kidneys to increase vitamin D metabolism.

Parathyroid glands sometimes overproduces its hormone causing levels of calcium to be too high. Symptoms may include increased urine production, increased thirst, constipation, abdominal pain, generalised aching, mood swings. If it remains untreated it can lead to osteoporosis or kidney stones.