Hyperparathyroidism(HPT)andhyperthyroidism (HT)sound a lot alike.
While the glands involved are somewhat related, they produce different hormones that have different effects on your body.
They have different symptoms and require different treatments, as well.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Yourthyroid glandis shaped like a butterfly.
It sits at the front of your throat, right in the center.
The fourparathyroid glandsare usually located just behind the thyroid, near the upper and lower tips of the wings.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
They’re about the size of peas.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Symptoms
Your parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone.
Its primary job is controlling calcium levels in your blood.
Your nervous system and muscles need calcium to function correctly.
It also keeps your bones strong.
HPT causes an increase in parathyroid hormone andhypercalcemia(high calcium levels).
Your thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones.
Their jobs are largely to do with homeostasis (your bodys automatic functions).
HT causes all of these processes to speed up.
The conditions have some symptoms in common, but this is just a coincidence.
The causes of the symptoms are different.
Symptoms they have in common include:
Some of their symptoms are opposites.
For example, HPT causes constipation and decreased appetite.
HT causes diarrhea and increased appetite.
The other symptoms of HPT and HT are unrelated.
The parathyroid glands regulate your blood calcium levels.
In hyperparathyroidism, you have too much blood calcium.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your homeostasis.
Hyperthyroidism speeds up everything.
The conditions have a few symptoms in common.
However, most of them are unrelated to each other.
In HPT, its usually a noncancerous growth called an adenoma.
Cancer is possible but rare.
However, both conditions have other causes as well.
Causes of Hyperparathyroidism
HPT can result from several things.
However, the specific tests are different.
T3 and T4 are produced by the thyroid.
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland when it detects the need for more T3 and T4.
Hyperparathyroidism and hyperthyroidism can both be triggered by growths.
However, their other causes are different.
Diagnosing these conditions generally involves a blood panel and imaging tests.
Other tests may be used as well.
Treatment
HPT and HT are treated completely differently.
This cures the disease about 95% of the time.
Treating Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can be treated in a few different ways.
Radioactive iodine and surgery are considered cures.
Prevention
Theres no known way to prevent HPT or HT.
However, some risk factors may be changeable and therefore reduce your risk.
People with celiac are three times more likely to develop autoimmune thyroid disease.
HPT involves high blood calcium, while HT involves high thyroid hormones that speed up the body.
HPT can be brought on by growths on the gland, enlarged glands, and radiation exposure.
HT is sparked by thyroid nodules, an inflamed gland, or excess iodine in the diet.
Both conditions are diagnosed using a combination of blood tests and scans.
HPT treatment depends on its severity.
It may include medications, supplements, and surgery.
HT treatments involve medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery.
No proven ways exist to prevent HPT or HT.
By focusing on changeable risk factors, you may be able to reduce your risk.
Both conditions are treatable, so you dont have to live with symptoms.
Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment can make you feel better now and prevent complications down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, its possible to have HPT without noticing symptoms.
Much of the time, HPT is discovered during routine testing.
Yes, they both can.
Autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Graves disease) can include a complication called Graves ophthalmopathy.
It causes bulging, dry, itchy, and painful eyes.
Both conditions are tied to compression of the optic nerve, which can lead to abnormal vision.
HPT can cause calcium deposits in the corner of the eyes, but this usually doesnt cause symptoms.
It’s usually mild and goes away in a matter of weeks.
Permanent parathyroid damage is rare, with a risk of less than 5%.
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