Your Parathyroid Glands

Parathyroid glands are small glands of the endocrine system which are located behind the thyroid. There are four parathyroid glands which are normally about the size and shape of a grain of rice. They are shown in this picture as the mustard yellow glands behind the pink thyroid gland. This is their normal color. The sole purpose of the parathyroid glands are to regulate the calcium level in our bodies within a very narrow range so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly. Although they are neighbors and both part of the endocrine system, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are otherwise unrelated. The single major disease of parathyroid glands is overactivity of one or more of the parathyroids which make too much parathyroid hormone causing a

To make this information more understandable, we have separated our parathyroid pages into specific topics. Once you read about a topic, more detailed information is available if you want it. There are dozens of drawings and x-rays to help explain the topics, and over 60 pages of typed text on parathyroid disease. If you get a little lost, come back here, go to the index page to see where you have and have not been, or use our new search engine.

Click the desired topic below to find out more.

• Normal and Abnormal Function of the Parathyroid Glands.   How these small glands regulate the body's calcium.
• Hyperparathyroidism (overactivity of the parathyroid gland).  How overproduction of parathyroid hormone weakens bones, produces kidney stones, and causes lots of other moans and groans.
• Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism.  Sometimes you feel just fine, how could it be a problem?
• Diagnosis of Hyperparathyroidism.  The essentials to determine if this problem exists and what to do about it.
• Treatment of Hyperparathyroidism.  Simple removal of the enlarged, overactive gland will provide permanent cure the disease.   Includes the standard operative approach which is highly successful, as well as the newer technique of  Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy (MIP).
• Localization of Parathyroid Tumors.  How and when to identify which of the four parathyroid glands is over-active prior to surgery. Includes advanced techniques for Sestamibi and SPECT scanning and even some video!
• Where do the Parathyroids come from?  If you understand this page then you will understand why parathyroid glands can be hard to find, even when they are enlarged. Covers normal and abnormal parathyroid anatomy. Don't start here, its a little more advanced.
• Osteoporosis and Hyperparathyroidism.  What are the problems and what can be done about it?
  Includes the effect of advanced age, menopause, and calcium treatments.