Every July, Parathyroid Awareness Month is an opportunity to bring thyroid and parathyroid conditions to the forefront.
What Should I Know About My Parathyroid?
Your parathyroid is made up of four small glands on the back of your thyroid. It produces parathyroid hormone which regulates your levels of vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in your bloodstream. Maintaining the proper balance of calcium in the bloodstream and tissues is required for proper, healthy function.
What are the symptoms?
If your parathyroid is not functioning properly, the condition of hyperparathyroidism may be the culprit. Hyperparathyroidism is the excess of the parathyroid hormone in your bloodstream due to an overactive parathyroid gland. Symptoms may be mild and may not seem related to parathyroid, or they can be quite severe. It is important that patients get the health of their parathyroid assessed with their primary care physician, especially if symptoms such as these are present:
- Osteoporosis or low bone density
- Bone and joint pain
- Frequent complaints of illness with no apparent cause
- Kidney stones
- Excessive urination
- Abdominal pain
- Tiring easily or weakness
- Depression or forgetfulness
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
When should I see a surgeon?
If there are any suspected nodules or growths, then surgery is the primary recommended treatment. The first step in getting an accurate diagnosis typically begins when a primary care physician diagnoses a parathyroid condition. In many cases, surgery can be recommended immediately after a diagnosis with a parathyroid condition. However, a primary care physician may help to develop a treatment plan that does not rely on surgery immediately. If after a period of time, this treatment plan does not appear to be having an effect on the patient’s symptoms or is failing to address the underlying cause of your condition, it is time to seek out a thyroid or parathyroid surgeon.
Choosing the right thyroid and parathyroid surgeon is important to achieve your best outcome. In Central Texas, Dr. Teresa Kroeker is Austin’s leading thyroid surgeon.
Learn More About Parathyroid Surgery
Contact the Texas Thyroid & Parathyroid Center today to request an appointment.
