Where are my parathyroid glands?

The parathyroid glands lie just behind the thyroid glands in the neck. The parathyroid glands (light pink) produce parathyroid hormone, which increases levels of calcium in the blood.

The parathyroid glands are small pea-sized glands located in the neck just behind the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. Most people have four parathyroid glands, with two parathyroid glands lying behind each 'wing' of the thyroid gland.

What hormones do my parathyroid glands produce?

The parathyroid glands produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone.

What do my parathyroid glands do?

The parathyroid glands are important in tightly controlling calcium levels in the bloodstream. Because of this, calcium levels are generally very stable. This is important to ensure the nervous system and the body’s muscles can work properly, and also that bones remain strong.

The main target organs where parathyroid hormone exerts its effects are the bones and the kidneys. When calcium levels are low, parathyroid hormone is released by the parathyroid glands into the blood and causes the bones to release calcium and increase levels in the bloodstream. It also causes the kidneys to stop calcium being lost in urine as well as stimulating the kidneys to increase vitamin D metabolism (see below).

If someone does not take in enough calcium through their diet or does not have enough vitamin D, circulating calcium levels fall and the parathyroid glands produce more parathyroid hormone. This brings calcium levels in the bloodstream back up to normal.

Another method that parathyroid hormone uses to increase calcium levels in the bloodstream is activation of vitamin D. This occurs in the kidney too; the activated vitamin D then increases calcium absorption from the gut.

What could go wrong with my parathyroid glands?

Sometimes the parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone. In this case, patients may develop a blood level of calcium that is too high (hypercalcaemia), which in turn can make them feel generally unwell; however, they may not experience any symptoms. Symptoms may include increased thirst, increased urine production, abdominal pain, constipation, generalised aches and pains, changes in mood. The commonest condition which cause this is called primary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis may take some months, as other potential causes of high blood calcium levels need to be excluded. Treatment may include removal of the overactive parathyroid gland or conservative management (monitoring of symptoms and calcium levels).See the information sheet on primary hyperparathyroidism for further details.

If the high level of parathyroid hormone remains undetected for a long time, it can cause calcium from the bones to be lost into blood and subsequently the urine. This can eventually cause bones to become thin (osteoporosis). Too much calcium in the urine can also cause calcium stones in the kidney.

Occasionally, the parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone leading to low blood calcium levels (hypocalcaemia). This condition is called hypoparathyroidism. This most commonly occurs after neck surgery such as for thyroid disease. Symptoms of low blood calcium include tingling, ‘pins and needle’ sensations or muscle cramps/spasms. Treatment includes vitamin D or calcium supplementation.