Parathyroid
The parathyroid is a group of glands that produce a hormone (PTH) to regulate calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. Bone and tooth development and strength are dependent on calcium. As with the thyroid gland, too much or too little PTH causes a variety of medical problems.
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism one of the most common endocrine conditions, particularly in postmenopausal women. The prevalence of primary hyperparathyroidism has been estimated at three in 1000 in the general population and as high as 21 in 1000 in postmenopausal women Hyperparathyroidism occurs when too much PTH is secreted into the bloodstream. This creates an imbalance of high calcium levels and low phosphorous levels. Symptoms include:
- osteoporosis
- kidney stones
- bone and joint pain
- weakness, lethargy
- loss of concentration
- depression
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- nausea and vomiting
hyperparathyroidism and weight gain
Sometimes there is a direct correlation between hyperparathyroidism and weight gain or weight loss.
Can Weight Gain Contribute to Hyperparathyroidism?
Remember that the number one symptom of hyperparathyroidism is fatigue. People with a high calcium and/or PTH often complain that they are tired all the time. Weight Gain with Hyperparathyroidism: Is it Just Because I’m Tired all the Time?
There may actually be a scientific / biochemical reason for gaining weight when you have a parathyroid problem that is more complex than just being tired and less active because you feel like crap. research suggests the excess PTH has some role in preventing weight loss in patients with hyperparathyroidism. They found that fat cells don’t break down their fat (called lipolysis) very well when exposed to high PTH levels.
In the studies, patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had an increased body mass index (BMI) compared with other patients. This indicates that patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had an increased weight or BMI in contrast to other patients.
People dealing with hyperparathyroidism often display no visible symptoms. However, hyperparathyroidism has been linked to increased risk of a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Hypertension
- Insulin Resistance
- Dyslipidemia
- cardiovascular mortality
- cancer
A person who is overweight may be more prone than others to the aforementioned medical conditions. As such, this individual is more susceptible than others to primary hyperthyroidism and its associated symptoms.
Hyperparathyroidism and Weight Loss
Weight loss is sometimes linked to primary hyperparathyroidism, but it is important to note that weight loss is a symptom of many different medical disorders. Thus, if a person experiences sudden weight loss, he or she should meet with a doctor. At this point, a doctor can perform different tests to determine if the weight loss is related to primary hyperparathyroidism or other medical disorders. Weight loss can occur in hyperparathyroidism, and it usually denotes an advanced stage of disease. It is unclear if it is due to gastrointestinal issues (upset stomach & constipation) or the metabolic effects a person may experience due to elevated calcium & PTH, probably both. Some consider weight loss an indication for surgery. In some instances, weight loss occurs following parathyroid surgery.
References
https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/90/3/1525/2836792
https://capeent.com/ent/throat/thyroid-parathyroid/
https://www.parathyroid.com/blog/parathyroid-surgery-weight-gain
