The thyroid and parathyroid glands are glands in your body known as endocrine glands. They produce thyroid and parathyroid hormones which release into the body via the bloodstream to provide signals to other parts of your body.
Although their names sound similar, they have completely different actions. Thyroid hormone controls the metabolic rate of your body and parathyroid hormone mainly controls the calcium level in your blood. When these glands are over or under functioning, you may have some specific symptoms.
What are some of the main conditions affecting the thyroid?
Problems with the thyroid tend to fall under two categories – producing too much thyroid hormone (over-active or hyperthyroidism) or not producing enough thyroid hormone (under-active or hypothyroidism).
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is also known as having an overactive thyroid gland. When the thyroid works too hard, it produces too much thyroid hormones and your body functions speed up. After a while, the body tends to break down and you start to feel exhausted. Common symptoms of too much thyroid hormones include:
Feeling tired
A faster heartbeat
Tremors
Unexplained weight loss
Feeling anxious
Hyperthyroidism can be detected with a straightforward blood test. Looking for the cause of hyperthyroidism is important as the treatment varies slightly. In most cases, medical treatment is required. If needed, we will discuss other options which may include radioactive iodine or surgery when the time is right.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is also known as having an underactive thyroid gland. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough of the energy hormone thyroxine for the body, common symptoms include:
Feeling tired
Unexplained weight gain
Dry skin and hair
Feeling cold
Body aches and constipation
Hypothyroidism is easily treatable with medication – usually a daily tablet of Thyroxine that you may need to take for the rest of your life. We can also discuss other alternative thyroid replacement therapy if the traditional thyroxine replacement is not working as well expected.
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is when thyroid cells divide abnormally and become malignant. When found early, treatment for thyroid cancer has a very high success rate. A lump or swelling in the thyroid gland is the most common sign of thyroid cancer. See your GP if you notice anything unusual in your neck, especially if you have trouble breathing or swallowing or notice changes in your voice.
At South Sydney Medical Specialists, we have close connections with highly skilled thyroid surgeons and will provide referral and surveillance post operation.
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are growths of thyroid cells in your thyroid gland that can form a lump. Most of the time this lump is benign, however it can occasionally contain thyroid cancer. We inspect all thyroid nodules thoroughly to ensure any problems are detected early on. Thyroid nodules are extremely common and can present as:
Incidental (eg when you are having scans for something else)
Something noticed by your friends or family
A lump in your neck
Pain in your neck or jaw
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Changes in your voice
What are some of the main conditions affecting the parathyroid?
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid gland is overactive, causing calcium levels in your blood and urine to rise – and too little calcium in your bones. This also puts pressure on your kidneys often causing kidney stones. Hyperparathyroidism can cause:
Bowel habit changes
Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
Kidney stones
Feeling constantly thirsty and frequent urination
Bone and joint pain
An increased risk of bone fractures
Shrinking height
Backache or muscles aches
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathyroid gland is underactive, causing the calcium levels in your blood to drop. When your blood lacks calcium, your nerves and muscle cells can’t function as they should. Hypoparathyroidism can cause:
Muscle cramps and spasms
Convulsions
Brittle hair and nails
Pins and needles
Conditions affecting the parathyroid are either caused by a problem with one of the four parathyroid glands (primary cause) or develop as a result of another health condition (secondary cause). The cause will be investigated to determine the best treatment (surgery or medication).
Multiple endocrine neoplasia 1
Multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1) occurs when tumours develop on at least two of your endocrine glands. This is a rare, hereditary condition that can cause an array of symptoms consistent with high levels of hormones. Because MEN1 is a genetic condition, screening is available. Treatment usually involves surgery or medication to suppresses growth or function of the tumours.
Any disorders affecting the thyroid or parathyroid can become very destructive over time and lead to problems throughout the body, including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, kidney stones, kidney failure, stroke and heart disease.
While symptoms may not always be obvious it’s important to follow up with any tests recommended by your GP.