Diseases of the parathyroid glands. Diseases of the parathyroid glands basic information about the function of the parathyroid glands. Pancreas and its diseases

The parathyroid glands are an endocrine organ located on the posterior surface of the thyroid capsule. 80% of people have 2 pairs, the rest - from 3 to 6 pairs.

They produce parathyroid hormone (parathormone). If their work is disturbed, a change in the hormonal balance occurs, leading to the development of a number of pathologies.

Representatives of the weaker sex are subject to them 3 times more often than men. Consider the symptoms of parathyroid diseases in women.

Parathyroid hormone is a polypeptide hormone that controls the balance of calcium in the blood. Regulation is carried out on the principle of feedback. On the surface of the parathyroid glands are receptors that determine the level of calcium ions in the blood serum. When it decreases below 2.25 mmol / l, the synthesis of parathyroid hormone is activated.

In this case, the following effects are observed:

• The excretion of calcium in the urine decreases due to an increase in its absorption in the tubules of the kidneys.
• Increased hydroxylation of vitamin D in the kidneys, resulting in an increase in its level active form(calcitriol), which is involved in the production of a protein that provides calcium absorption.
• Osteoclasts are stimulated - bone tissue cells that are responsible for its resorption (destruction), as a result of which there is an active release of calcium into the blood.

Malfunctions in the functioning of the parathyroid glands lead to endocrine pathologies that provoke a violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism. There are two main diseases - hypoparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism - conditions caused by deficiency and excess of parathyroid hormone, respectively.

Dysfunction of the parathyroid glands in women negatively affects the state of bone tissue, kidneys, cardiovascular, nervous systems, and the gastrointestinal tract.

Prior to the establishment of the functions of this endocrine organ, people who underwent surgery to remove the thyroid gland and did not receive hormone replacement therapy died after prolonged convulsions.

Hypoparathyroidism: causes and symptoms of manifestation

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition in which an insufficient amount of parathyroid hormone is produced or a decrease in the sensitivity of tissue receptors to it is observed. As a result, the level of calcium in the blood decreases and the concentration of phosphates increases.

The reasons

The main causes of hypoparathyroidism in women:

• removal of the parathyroid glands by themselves or together with the thyroid gland;
• neck injuries leading to hemorrhage in the endocrine organ;
• autoimmune inflammatory diseases in which the body produces antibodies to glandular cells - insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, polyendocrine syndrome;
• primary dysfunction of the parathyroid glands as a result of their congenital underdevelopment;
• inflammatory pathologies;
• metastasis of malignant tumors;
• chronic lack of vitamin D - relevant for women during pregnancy and lactation;
• impaired absorption of calcium in the intestine;
• poisoning with lead, carbon monoxide, strychnine, ergot;
• radioactive radiation.

Symptoms

A decrease in calcium levels in hypoparathyroidism leads to an increase in neuromuscular excitation and other manifestations.

Initial symptoms:

• spasms in the limbs;
• feeling of numbness, tingling, "crawling crawling";
• chilliness followed by flushes of heat in the hands or feet.

Signs are aggravated during physical activity, during stress, as a result of overheating or hypothermia, during the period of illness.

As hypoparathyroidism progresses, there are:

• symmetrical painful cramps;
• atrophy of the muscles of the limbs;
• weakness, irritability, decreased memory and intelligence;
• headache;
• photophobia;
• tachycardia;
• sweating;
• abdominal pain, diarrhea;
• ophthalmic pathologies - cataract, keratoconjunctivitis.

Chronic lack of parathyroid hormone in women is accompanied by:

• peeling of the skin;
• baldness;
• fragility of nails;
• destruction of tooth enamel.

Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism is often accompanied by hypothyroidism, disorders of the adrenal glands and gonads, inflammation of the liver, fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes.

In severe cases of hypoparathyroidism, respiratory disorders (laryngospasm), as well as convulsive seizures similar to epileptic ones, may occur. These conditions require urgent care.

Hyperparathyroidism: symptoms of the phenomenon

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that is characterized by increased activity of the parathyroid glands or their individual sections. An excess of parathyroid hormone leads to an increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood - hypercalcemia. At the same time, the trace element is washed out of the bones, significantly reducing their strength. As a result, parathyroid osteodystrophy develops.

The reasons

Depending on the mechanism of development, primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism is distinguished.

Factors provoking the primary form of the disease in women:

• hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands;
• adenoma - a benign tumor of their glandular cells;
• carcinoma (malignant neoplasm or cancer) of the parathyroid glands;
• hereditary endocrine disorders.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs due to a prolonged lack of calcium. The reasons:

• insufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium;
• rickets;
• Fanconi syndrome - a violation of the tubules of the kidneys;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a deterioration in calcium absorption;
• chronic renal failure;
• prolonged treatment with anticonvulsants.

Did you know that disruption of the endocrine system can lead to infertility? Hypofunction of the thyroid gland, if left untreated, can cause such a complication. Here is all about this pathology and methods of its treatment.

Symptoms

Hyperparathyroidism leads to damage to the musculoskeletal system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system and central nervous system.

Signs:

• musculoskeletal system - softening of the bones, fractures during normal movements, pain in the limbs and back, muscle weakness, fibrocystic osteitis, sciatica;
• kidneys - formation of stones, increased secretion urine (has a whitish color), intense thirst;
• Gastrointestinal tract - loss of appetite and weight, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, stomach and intestinal ulcers as a result of increased production of hydrochloric acid;
• heart and blood vessels - vascular calcification, hypertension, angina pectoris;
• CNS - depression, nervous irritability, memory loss;
• others - loss of hair, teeth, earthy-gray skin tone.

Depending on the prevailing symptoms, bone, gastrointestinal, renal and other forms of the disease are distinguished.

Hypo- and hyperparathyroidism are diagnosed on the basis of a biochemical blood test, which determines the level of calcium in the serum, as well as by detecting the level of parathyroid hormone. In addition, x-rays are taken to show changes in the bone tissue.

Ways to restore the body

Treatment of hypoparathyroidism

An acute attack of hypoparathyroidism, accompanied by painful convulsions, is stopped by slow intravenous administration of a solution of calcium in the form of chloride or gluconate. Infusions are repeated several times a day.

In parallel with this, injections of parathyroidin are prescribed - a drug that contains an extract of the parathyroid glands of animals. apply it long time it is impractical, because resistance of the body and an autoimmune reaction occur as a result of the production of antibodies to parathyroid hormone.

In the period between attacks with hypoparathyroidism, the following are prescribed:

• vitamin D;
• calcium preparations;
• aluminum hydroxide (to reduce phosphorus levels);
• magnesium sulfate;
• antispasmodics;
• sedatives.

Dosages and duration of treatment are selected individually. The concentration of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the blood is constantly monitored.

Therapy for hyperparathyroidism

With a hypercalcemic crisis in women, therapy is carried out aimed at reducing the content of calcium in the blood. Preparations:

• a solution of sodium chloride intravenously in large quantities in combination with potassium and furosemide (a diuretic) for forced diuresis;
• magnesium sulfate intramuscularly;
• sodium citrate intravenously for calcium binding;
• phosphates intravenously or in tablets;
• mithramycin - an antibiotic that inhibits the activity of osteoclasts;
• glucocorticoids to reduce calcium absorption in the kidneys;
• calcitonin to reduce calcium leaching from bones.

Dairy products and vitamin D are excluded from the diet of patients.

After relief of the symptoms of the crisis, primary hyperparathyroidism is treated surgically: neoplasms in the parathyroid glands are removed or a part of the glands is resected. In the secondary form of the disease, therapy is aimed at eliminating the underlying diseases.

It was previously thought that parathyroid disease was a rare occurrence. But thanks modern methods diagnostics, it became obvious that many women of mature age suffer from dysfunction of this endocrine organ. Excess or lack of parathyroid hormone negatively affects the state of the whole organism. The success of treatment is determined by the timeliness of identifying the problem.

Related video

Subscribe to our Telegram channel @zdorovievnorme

What are the parathyroid glands, what is their role in the human body? These organs are little studied, but they are very important because they take part in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The parathyroid gland gets its name from its location. It is located just behind the thyroid gland (on its back surface).

Despite their small size and weight, the parathyroid glands produce hormones that are vital for a person, without which his normal existence is impossible.

Features of the structure of the parathyroid glands

Most people have two pairs of parathyroid glands, but sometimes there are up to twelve. They are round or oval in shape. The size of the glands is small - about 8 mm long, 4 mm wide, 1.5-3 mm thick. Their weight is usually 0.5 g.

The anatomy of the parathyroid glands implies that each of them is covered with a thin capsule of connective tissue. Also, special partitions are placed inside, thanks to which the blood supply to the organ is carried out.

Hormonal activity of the parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands are made up of two types of tissues that perform different functions. The production of hormones occurs only in cells called the main dark parathyrocytes. They synthesize a substance such as (PTH, calcitrin, parathyreocrine, parathyrin). Also, the structure of the parathyroid glands implies the presence in their composition of the main light cells. They do not have such functional activity as the dark ones.

Regulation of the production of parathyroid hormones occurs on the principle of inverse relationship. When the level of PTH in the blood decreases, the dark chief cells become activated. When the amount of parathyrin increases to the desired levels, the synthesis of the hormone in the glands stops. When this process is disturbed, various diseases that require treatment.

It should also be said that parathyroid hormones are not produced in the same amount throughout the day. The maximum concentration of PTH is observed at lunchtime (about 15:00), and the minimum - in the morning at 7:00.

If you are asked - list the functions of the parathyroid glands, you can say this:

• activation in the kidney tissue of vitamin D, which affects the walls of the intestine. A special transport protein is released there, which ensures the absorption of calcium into the bloodstream;
• provide a decrease in calcium excretion with urine;
• affect cells that contribute to the destruction of bone tissue. As a result, calcium enters the blood, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

If we analyze the listed functions, this organ is necessary to regulate the concentration of calcium in the blood. This is achieved by acting on bone tissue, kidneys, etc. Thyroid hormones do not depend on the parathyroid gland, despite the fact that these organs are in close proximity.

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a disease that is accompanied by increased activity of the parathyroid glands. This pathological condition is accompanied by an increase in the level of calcium in the blood, against which it develops.

Varieties of hyperparathyroidism

It is customary to distinguish several types of hyperparathyroidism, depending on the characteristics of its development:

• primary. The cause of this pathology is usually cancer, or adenoma. The presence of these diseases is often provoked by stress, reduced blood pressure or taking some medications. Primary hyperparathyroidism is accompanied by uncontrolled secretion of PTH;
• secondary. It develops in response to insufficient intake of calcium, vitamin D in the human body, in the presence of chronic renal failure;
• tertiary. Appears when a person has suffered from kidney failure for a long period. Even after the restoration of the organ, there is excessive secretion.

Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism

With excessive functioning of the parathyroid gland, the symptoms of this disorder are as follows:

• softening of the bones occurs, which can be manifested by frequent fractures;
• intense pain in the limbs and back;
• muscle weakness;
• fast fatiguability;
• the appearance of kidney stones;
• increase in the amount of urine. In this case, it acquires a characteristic whitish color;
• increased feeling of thirst;
• loss of appetite, which is often combined with weight loss;
• the appearance of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting;
• increased release of hydrochloric acid leads to the development of peptic ulcer;
• observe vascular calcification, which is combined with hypertension and angina pectoris;
• intellectual abilities worsen, an unstable psycho-emotional state is observed;
• the skin acquires a grayish tint;
• hair and teeth fall out.

Depending on the symptoms that develop, hyperparathyroidism can be renal, gastrointestinal, bone, or other forms.

Treatment of hyperparathyroidism

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a blood test to determine the level of calcium, parathyroid hormone. Doctors also prescribe additional procedures to determine the causes of the development of pathology.

If primary hyperparathyroidism is detected, treatment occurs only by surgery. You can get rid of the secondary form of the disease with medication. Most often, special preparations containing calcium are prescribed, followed by vitamin D. As a result of such treatment, the secretion of parathyroid hormones is normalized.

• daily walk in the fresh air;
• give up all bad habits;
• start eating right. It is advisable to include in the diet foods that are rich in magnesium, phosphorus, iron. These include fish, meat (red), many vegetables and fruits.

Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a disease characterized by insufficient functional activity of the parathyroid glands. It is accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of parathyroid hormone production or a decrease in the sensitivity of receptors to it, which are located in various tissues. In hypoparathyroidism, an insufficient concentration of calcium in the blood is observed, which leads to an increase in the level of phosphates.

Causes of hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism develops due to such reasons:

• removal of the parathyroid glands along with the thyroid gland;
• injury in the neck, which leads to hemorrhage, disrupting the normal functioning of the glands;
• the presence of autoimmune diseases in which the body produces antibodies to its own cells;
• congenital underdevelopment of the parathyroid glands;
• the development of inflammatory processes of various kinds;
• the presence of oncology, which led to metastasis to the area where the glands are located;
• prolonged deficiency of vitamin D in a woman's body, which is especially often observed during pregnancy and lactation;
• disorders leading to improper absorption of calcium from the intestine;
• heavy metal poisoning;
• negative impact of radioactive radiation.

Symptoms of hypoparathyroidism

In the presence of this disease of the parathyroid gland in women, the symptoms are as follows:

• the appearance of spasms in the limbs;
• the development of unpleasant sensations, which are characterized as crawling all over the body, numbness of the skin, etc .;
• frequent occurrence of chills, which changes with hot flashes;
• headache;
• photophobia;
• decrease in intellectual abilities;
• increased sweating;
• tachycardia;
• peeling of the skin;
• hair loss;
• destruction of teeth and nails.

Treatment of hypoparathyroidism

If accompanied by convulsions, they can be eliminated by intravenous administration of calcium solutions. Also, patients are shown injections of parathyroidin, which is obtained from the parathyroid glands of various animals. After the elimination of the main symptoms of the disease, such treatment is stopped. If parathyroidin is administered for a long time, an autoimmune reaction occurs in the human body, which is highly undesirable.

Subsequently, the restoration of the functioning of the parathyroid glands is carried out with the help of a whole range of drugs:

• vitamin D;
• calcium;
• magnesium sulfate;
• aluminum hydroxide;
• sedatives and others.

Also, with hypoparathyroidism, it is necessary to eat a balanced diet, give up all bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle and not neglect the recommendations of doctors. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, more severe consequences develop, which are not as easy to deal with as in the initial stage of the disease.

Speaking about the endocrine system, questions are often asked, what is the parathyroid gland, where is this organ located, what is its role in the human body. The parathyroid gland is a collection of rounded bodies, they are located in the region rear wall thyroid glands. The location of the parathyroid gland is very convenient for the control of all systems. As for the number of such bodies, it can be different - from 2 to 8, but on average there are 4 of them, the length reaches 8 mm, and they have a pairwise arrangement (that's why they have such a name). If we take into account their total mass, then in the vast majority of cases it is no more than 1.2 grams.

If we take into account how the parathyroid gland differs from the thyroid gland, then the parathyroid glands differ in a lighter color if we are talking about children, they have it pinkish, and in adults it is yellowish. From all organs that are nearby, the parathyroid glands are separated by fibrous tissue. The parathyroid gland has a unique structure, everything is interconnected in it.

The parathyroid glands (as they are also called) perform very important functions in the human body, one of the most important is the process of regulating the balance of phosphorus and calcium, this is done by producing a special hormone. Also, the parathyroid glands are most directly related to work. nervous system human, as well as on the skeletal and motor system. The parathyroid gland and its anatomy are constantly being studied by leading experts in many countries of the world.

If the level of calcium in the blood begins to fall below the level that is acceptable, then the parathyroid glands begin a saving process - they secrete a special parathyroid hormone into the blood. And the parathyroid hormone, in turn, begins to stimulate the excretory process of that trace element, which is not enough for the normal functioning of the human body. At the same time, parathyroid hormone activates bone tissue, so the main function that is assigned to the parathyroid gland is to produce such parathyroid hormone, which acts as a catalyst for calcium balance in the human body.

What are the pathological signs

If the parathyroid gland begins to give certain failures in its work, then violations are the normal functioning of almost all organs. If the parathyroid gland begins to be disturbed, then such pathological conditions begin to manifest themselves as symptoms that are characteristic of most diseases of the endocrine system:

• the human nervous system is oppressed;
• a person quickly gets tired for no reason and this condition does not go away;
• appetite is disturbed;
• manifestations of weakness;
• headache constantly;
• smooth and skeletal muscles undergo convulsive contractions, they are difficult to control, since parathyroid hormone is produced in insufficient quantities;
• nervous and muscular excitability are increased.

With such a syndrome, various kinds of failures and disorders can begin in a variety of systems.

If pathological conditions deepen, then the symptoms also progress, organs and tissues human body are damaged. The system of bones and muscles is exposed to gout and myopathy, the system of the visual type is affected by cataracts, and calcium salts are deposited in the cornea. The cardiovascular system is also subject to disturbances that are manifested by vascular notification, there may also be arrhythmia and hypertension. The parathyroid gland shows symptoms of a different nature, here everything is often individual. Symptoms of the disease in women have certain differences, especially when it comes to women in a state of pregnancy.

A very characteristic symptom, when diseases of the parathyroid gland are observed - the kidneys are affected, while the person is constantly thirsty, a disease of urolithiasis may develop. If a person is in a state of fever and there is an insufficient hemoglobin level in the blood, then such signs may also indicate problems with the thyroid gland. But such signs do not always indicate that this is a parathyroid disease.

If we talk about what are the manifestations of an external nature that indicate hormonal disorders, then they are as follows:

• the skin becomes dry and icteric;
• fungal infections;
• hair becomes dull and brittle;
• there may be manifestations of eczema and psoriasis;
• eyebrows and eyelashes may fall out;
• nails become thinner;
• may be a cataract;
• subcutaneous calcifications in the auricles;
• teeth are exposed to various lesions.

Diseases of the parathyroid glands

One of the most common ailments is hyperparathyroidism, which is formed due to increased secretion of parathyrin, which leads to the development of hypercalcemia in the human body. If thyroid hormones are produced in large quantities, then this does not lead to anything good. An increased hormonal concentration causes a large amount of calcium in the blood, which means that the bone tissue begins to experience its deficiency. All this can cause osteoporosis, kidneys are often affected. The pathology of the human parathyroid glands can cause other organs.

Such a disease begins with the fact that tissues undergo hyperplasia, adenoma and oncological conditions can also occur, in general, everything that can lead to disruptions in the normal functioning of this organ. Here it should be noted calcium deficiency, which is of a long-term nature, chronic renal failure, chronic lack of vitamin D. Treatment of the parathyroid gland in this case involves surgical intervention, most often the prognosis is favorable. However, after the operation, a certain regimen must be observed, since with hyperparathyroidism there may be other signs that indicate other disorders of the body, they should not develop.

Parathyroid dysfunction can be caused by a disease called hypoparathyroidism, here the situation is reversed, that is, there is not enough parathyrin. And this causes a lack of calcium in the blood, which leads to excitation of the neuromuscular type, there may even be psychosis. Not infrequently, such a disease is formed in case of damage or unintentional removal during surgery on such an organ. Since the structure of the parathyroid gland is quite complex, such cases are not uncommon.

Also, we can talk about a hemorrhage in the cervical region, and the process of an inflammatory nature, which is present in the gland, can also be to blame. Still, the whole thing may be in an acute deficiency of vitamin D in the human body, calcium is not absorbed properly in the intestines, there is an effect of radiation. This ailment can be very dangerous, with the glands there can be a variety of disorders.

The primary signs of such a disease are muscle cramps, which begin to intensify in stressful conditions. Such an ailment is treated mainly with hormonal drugs. What is the diagnosis

In order to identify the pathological conditions of glandular tissues, diagnostic methods are used, which can be instrumental and laboratory. If we talk about laboratory-type methods, then they are:

• it is necessary to determine the calcium level in urine;
• determine the phosphate amount;
• How concentrated are parathyroid hormones?

Nevertheless, in modern medicine, instrumental-type methods are much more often used, which are distinguished by increased accuracy, they should be described in detail:

• ultrasound examination, this technique is safe, very accurate and painless. With its help, it is most often possible to detect enlargement of the glands. This method is widely used in surgical operations, but if the glands do not change in size, then this method is not effective;
• the use of computed tomography is a method of increased sensitivity, which makes it possible to detect up to 90 percent of the violation;
• often used MRI, which is effective because it has a high sensitivity. And it’s also good that there is no ionizing radiation, so we can talk about increased safety;
• subtraction type scintigraphy is the most exact method in modern medicine. The patient begins to be injected with radioactive isotopes, they give a certain radiation, which makes it possible to conduct a study with the help of high-tech equipment. This method is contraindicated in pregnant women, lactating women and patients with severe forms of the disease;
• x-ray research methods, most often in this way the state of bone tissue and disorders of the cardiovascular system are examined.

It should be noted that each of the listed diagnostic methods has its pros and cons, so it is recommended to use several methods to obtain more complete and accurate information. This is especially true when it comes to the primary stage of ailments. Undoubtedly, ultrasound and laboratory-type studies are characterized by increased safety and low cost, but if they show conflicting results, then scintigraphy should be used.

As for MRI and CT, they are most often used when other diagnostic methods do not provide enough information to make an accurate diagnosis. It is very important to study the lesion as carefully as possible, then the treatment will be more effective. Parathyroid gland implies treatment different ways, it all depends on the degree of disease of such parathyroid glands and many factors individual character. Histology is often used in diagnostics, and such methods are effective, since histology studies living tissues and their structure. However, only the doctor decides which method to apply, be it histology or anything else.

Subordination of calcium to parathyroid hormone

As already mentioned, the main task of the parathyroid gland is to produce paratinin in the right amount. If the calcium level in the blood rapidly decreases, then hormone-type receptors come into play, intensively producing such a hormone. Then the activation of osteoclasts begins, which leads to the extraction of calcium from bone-type tissue. The calcium concentration in the blood begins to increase, but the bones become less rigid, which can lead to a deformation process if the exchange between calcium and phosphorus is disturbed.

The hormones of the human parathyroid gland are very important for the normal functioning of the human body. The parathyroid glands, their functions are so important that if they are disturbed, this affects the work of all organs. The hormones of the thyroid and parathyroid glands should be normal, if it is disturbed, then the disruption of all vital processes begins.

A smaller amount of calcium ions leads to the fact that such a hormone is secreted more intensively, if there is a lot of it, then the process is reversed. It is noteworthy that for the whole day the level of hormone concentration is not the same, namely during the day it is maximum, since the metabolic process is active, and at night the concentration weakens. With a lack of parathyroid hormone, there may be a deterioration in overall health, since this hormone is responsible for many of the most important functions in the human body.

The general name of the glands, which combines the ability to produce and secrete physiologically active substances with specific properties directly into the internal environment of the body, called hormones.

Functions of the endocrine glands

Through the release of hormones into the blood, the glands can affect organs that are located far from the glands themselves. From a biochemical point of view, hormones can be attributed to biocatalysts - chemical compounds, which are not a source of energy, but accelerate the course of biochemical reactions.

Endocrine glands play an essential role in the biochemical reactions of the body, regulating metabolism and many other vital processes of cells and tissues. Each of the hormones performs a special, characteristic role for it. Together with the nervous system, hormones coordinate the functions of individual tissues and organs, and also carry out neurohormonal regulation of the functions of individual organs and the whole organism. The branch of science that studies the structure and functions of the endocrine glands, their influence on the vital processes of the body, as well as diseases caused by a violation of their functions, is called endocrinology.

Types of endocrine glands

The endocrine glands include:

• epiphysis (pineal gland)
• pituitary
• thyroid
• parathyroid glands
• thymus
• adrenal glands
• pancreas
• sex glands (ovaries in women and testicles in men).

Classification of diseases of the endocrine glands

Violations of the function of the endocrine glands can occur according to the type:

• hormonal dysfunction
• hormonal dysfunction

Diseases associated with dysfunction of the endocrine glands are called endocrine diseases. One or more endocrine glands may be involved in the process. The degree of violations and the severity of the symptoms of the disease depends on what role iron plays in the body, and also on whether it is a pair (adrenals, ovaries, testicles) or single (pituitary, thyroid). So, dysfunction or removal of one of the paired glands is compensated to a certain extent by an increase and hyperfunction of the other.

Diagnosis of diseases of the endocrine glands

From the point of view of the close relationship and multifaceted functions of the endocrine glands, the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of their activity is a very complex and difficult process.

Difficulties are due to the fact that disorders can occur at any period of life and have different degrees of severity, affect one gland or several.

For an appropriate diagnosis, it is necessary to carefully collect an anamnesis, conduct a clinical examination and a lot of laboratory tests, which can only be done in the appropriate clinics.

Treatment of diseases of the endocrine glands

You should never self-medicate, since only the correct diagnosis of hormonal disorders allows you to prescribe effective treatment, which affects not only one organ, correcting its function, but also the functions of other endocrine glands in general.

The possibilities of treating hormonal disorders are quite wide and varied. Patients can receive almost all hormones in the form of extracts from the endocrine glands or their synthetic analogues. In rare cases, surgical treatment is performed.

The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid gland. The main function is to regulate the level of calcium in the blood. It is carried out with the help of the production of parahormone, which stimulates the release of this substance.

That is why many diseases of the parathyroid glands begin to develop as a result of a violation of the process of calcium synthesis. Pathologies of the parathyroid gland, the symptoms of which manifest themselves depending on the type of disease, in women can develop against the background of regular stress, an abnormal structure of the organ, or pathologies of other organs.

Classification of diseases of the parathyroid glands

In violation of the synthesis of parathyroid hormone, which affects the kidneys, liver and bone tissue, the level of vitamin D and calcium in the body decreases, which leads to the development of various pathologies. Diseases of the parathyroid glands include:

Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperplasia can be primary, secondary or tertiary. The primary form of the disease is divided into three types. These include:

Hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands in 10% of cases is accompanied by various cancer such as thyroid cancer or pituitary tumor.

Tumor of the parathyroid gland

Among diseases of the parathyroid gland, a special place is occupied by neoplasms that may have different nature occurrence.

A decrease or increase in the norm of calcium content can lead to the formation of benign or malignant neoplasms. Cancer cells are formed as a result of the development of the pathological process and changes in the structure of tissues.

In some cases, metastasis and spread of the neoplasm to other organs is noted. During diagnostic study small tumors can be installed in the esophagus or trachea.

A benign parathyroid cyst can be removed surgically. At malignant tumor treatment is aimed at preventing metastasis to other organs and tissues.

Causes of parathyroid disease

Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland develops as a result of excessive synthesis of hormones, which leads to an excess of the amount of calcium in the blood. The causes of hyperparathyroidism are:

Causes of hypoparathyroidism include:

Hyperthyroidism and hypoparathyroidism may also result from systemic lesions.

Treatment of diseases of the parathyroid gland, the symptoms of which have varying degrees of severity and manifest themselves depending on the form of the pathology, is carried out after establishing the cause of the development.

Clinical picture

The main symptoms of diseases associated with impaired parahormone synthesis are:

In the presence of a tumor of the parathyroid gland, the pathological process can spread to other organs and tissues. Symptoms of pathology are often combined into syndromes, which makes it possible to more accurately determine the damage to the organ system. These include:

In addition, there are violations of the central nervous system, which is characterized by weakness, increased fatigue and depression. In a woman, the configuration of the neck changes, accompanied by paresis of the larynx. Parathyroid cancer is accompanied by a violation of the cardiovascular system.

Diagnosis and treatment methods

A preliminary diagnosis is established after studying the anamnesis, identifying symptoms, their duration and examining the patient. To determine the cause of the disease and the extent of the spread of the pathological process, the following types of diagnostics are used:

In addition, the doctor prescribes scintigraphy. The procedure is aimed at establishing the normal or abnormal location of the organ, which can also cause the development of diseases of the parathyroid glands.

Treatment of a parathyroid tumor and other pathologies associated with a violation of the synthesis of parahormone depends on the type of disease, the presence of certain signs and severity.