Thyroid Disease

What are the thyroid and parathyroid glands?

Although their names maybe similar, thyroid and parathyroid glands each have their own specific job. In fact, every cell in your body depends on the thyroid glands functioning properly. Your thyroid and parathyroid glands are part of your endocrine system and produce hormones that regulate bodily functions.

Thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. It produces hormones collectively known as the thyroid hormones that primarily regulate your metabolism, which is your body’s energy-burning system. 

Parathyroid gland

The parathyroid gland includes four pea-sized glands located behind your thyroid gland. These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH works with the hormones produced by your pituitary gland to maintain calcium and phosphorus balance in your blood.

What is a thyroid disease?

A thyroid disease includes any condition that affects the structure or function of your thyroid gland. Many of these conditions affect thyroid hormone production, causing the gland to produce too much or too little. 

Types of thyroid diseases include:

• Goiters — enlarged thyroid gland
• Thyroiditis — inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis — autoimmune condition that decreases hormone production
• Graves’ disease — autoimmune condition that increases hormone production
• Nodules — benign growths that increase hormone production

Thyroid disease is common and affects people of all ages.

What is a parathyroid disease?

A parathyroid disease includes conditions that affect the hormone production of your parathyroid glands. Types of parathyroid disease include:

• Hyperparathyroidism — overactive parathyroid gland
• Hypothyroidism — excess calcium and phosphorus in your blood
• Tumors

Hyperparathyroidism is an over activity of one or more of the parathyroid glands. This is the most common type of parathyroid disease; however, if left untreated can lead to brittle bones that will easily fracture and/or break. Grave’s Disease is an outcome of untreated hyperthyroidism and this auto-immune disease affects more women than their male counterparts.

Hypothyroidism is basically when your blood will have an excess of phosphorous and not enough calcium. Treatment is usually a prescription that is designed to mimic natural hormones and to restore the balance between calcium and phosphorus.

Tumors are usually genetic and most are not cancerous.

How is thyroid disease diagnosed?

When you visit Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, with concerns about thyroid disease, or parathyroid disease, you receive a comprehensive physical to get an accurate diagnosis.

You provide a full family history and have blood work run to diagnose thyroid disease. Then, an ultrasound of your neck to look for abnormalities, such as thyroid nodules.

You may also need a thyroid nodule biopsy. 

How is thyroid disease treated?

Treatment for thyroid and parathyroid disease depends on the type and how it affects your hormone levels. For conditions that cause low hormone production, Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, prescribes hormone replacement medication.

For conditions that cause an overproduction of hormones, you may receive a prescription medication that decreases hormone production. 

Thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which is a non-surgical treatment for many thyroid-related conditions, including thyroid nodules and an enlarged thyroid, is also available.

Every cell in your body depends on the proper functioning of your thyroid glands. Symptoms of thyroid disease are subtle and may go unnoticed.

For comprehensive care from a thyroid disease expert, call Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, or schedule a consultation online today.