Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is where the parathyroid glands (in the neck, near the thyroid gland) produce too much parathyroid hormone.

Types of hyperparathyroidism

There are 3 types of hyperparathyroidism.

  1. Primary hyperparathyroidism is when there’s a problem within the parathyroid gland itself, usually a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the gland.
  2. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is when the glands are fine but a condition, like kidney failure, lowers calcium levels and causes the body to react by producing extra parathyroid hormone.
  3. Tertiary hyperparathyroidism is when long-standing secondary hyperparathyroidism starts to behave like primary hyperparathyroidism.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism is often associated with very advanced kidney failure (usually requiring dialysis).

People with tertiary hyperparathyroidism are almost always under the care of kidney specialists.

Symptoms

Hyperparathyroidism affects people differently. Some people have mild or no symptoms, while others have many.

The symptoms may not relate to the level of calcium in your blood. For example, some people with a slightly raised calcium level may have symptoms, while others with high calcium levels may have few or no symptoms at all.

  • depression
  • tiredness
  • feeling thirsty and peeing a lot
  • feeling sick and losing your appetite
  • muscle weakness
  • constipation
  • tummy pain
  • loss of concentration
  • mild confusion

Causes

In 4 out of 5 cases, primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a non-cancerous tumour called an adenoma on one of the parathyroid glands.

Less commonly, it can occur if 2 or more parathyroid glands become enlarged (hyperplasia).

Very rarely, primary hyperparathyroidism can be caused by cancer of a parathyroid gland.

Anatomy

We have four parathyroid glands (when one would be enough to do the job) because maintaining precise calcium levels is so important to our body’s ability to function properly on a daily basis. To regulate calcium, the parathyroid gland controls the amount of a chemical called parathyroid hormone (PTH) that it releases into the bloodstream. Each parathyroid cell has a calcium sensor to detect the level of calcium in the blood. When calcium levels are high, the parathyroid gland “turns off,” and the body’s PTH level decreases. Alternatively, when the calcium sensor detects that calcium levels are low, the gland “turns on” and produces PTH, which pours into the bloodstream and instructs the body to put more calcium back into the blood. 

When calcium levels are high in the blood, they seep out of the blood vessels into the fluid surrounding cells. The calcium elements will then attach to the calcium sensing receptor (CASR) on the surface of parathyroid cells and start a series of reactions that ultimately result in stopping the release of PTH from the cells. In doing this, the PTH level in the bloodstream comes down, because whatever PTH was already in the blood will quickly disintegrate and disappear.

On the other hand, when calcium levels are low, and no calcium is attached to the CASR, another set of reactions occur that ultimately increase the PTH release outside of the cell and into the bloodstream. When low calcium levels happen for a short period of time, then the parathyroid cell will signal the sacs (vesicles) containing PTH to merge with the surface and release what is inside the sac (PTH).

What could stop me???

Low Calcium

Calcium Set Point

Calcium Sensoring Receptor

PTH Receptor

Overexerted PTH nucleus

When the low calcium level goes on for an extended period of time, in addition to releasing the PTH containing sacs, the parathyroid glands send signals to the nucleus (brain of the cell) to start the process of manufacturing PTH and place it in the storage sacs. If the calcium level stays chronically low, then, through a different series of reactions (P21 protein), parathyroid cells are signaled to duplicate themselves (proliferate). Thus, the parathyroid gland may grow to keep up with the demands of the body.

Vitamin D

  • Lower levels of Vitamin D : vitamin D suppresses the parathyroid glands, if vitamin D is deficient the parathyroid glands wont have vitamin D telling it to work less, and not grow; because of this parathyroid over react and cause secondary hyperparathyroidism. 

Yogic Managment

Human being is not just the combination of body and mind but something beyond this restricted limitations. We address the health of a being in all the planes of existence. Instead of addressing the symptoms of a condition, a 
holistic approach given in our ancient culture in literatures of Ayurveda, Yoga works on the root cause and builds a strong foundation.

 

 

Annamaya Kosha

Sharira

Annamaya Kosha Physical Plane

What can help??

  • Staying physically active by participating in weight-bearing exercises such as walking.
  • Eating a nutritious diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to help maintain good bone health.
  • Quitting smoking, or not starting if you don’t smoke.

Contra indications

Before attempting to work on the area or movement, understand its health. Some of us have specific health scenarios or conditions, that are strong reasons not to attempt the practice.

Take support and train yourself slowly and consistently

Take the support of chair or wall before attempting to perform a new movement. Donot be overwhelemd by people displaying strong and flexible movements. Donot compare yourself with others. Each one of has different body capacity and flexibility, each one trains different, takes nutrition different, then how can you expect the output to be the same.

Rest

Body has the innate ability to heal itself if given rest. Observe your body posture through out the day and correct if required. Relax your body and mind.

Hydro therapy

Cold water best works for inflammations. Hot water helps for pain relief.

Notice

Which movements are increasing the discomfort? Visit a specialist and explain your body’s response to the actions. Information shared in this website is only for educational purpose.

Yoga Asanas

Sukshma vyayama

 

Vrikshasana

Virabadhra 

Vajrasana

 

Chaturanga dandasana

Urdhva muka Svanasana

In each asana, try to increase the time of attempt. Every extra second you spend comfortably in an asana, is training and building stronger self.

 Foods that contain calcium and vitamin D often promote good parathyroid health. Calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, and broccoli. Also, vitamin D-rich foods include fish, mushrooms

 Foods that contain calcium and vitamin D often promote good parathyroid health. Calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, spinach, and broccoli. Also, vitamin D-rich foods include fish, mushrooms

Pranamaya Kosha

Prana flow towards the upper parts of the body.

Manomaya Kosha

  • Japa Ajapa
  • Nama Rupa Dharana
  • Trataka

Bibliography

 

  1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hyperparathyroidism/
  2. https://www.hyperparathyroidmd.com/parathyroid-gland/
  3. https://books.lib.uoguelph.ca/human-physiology/chapter/calcium-and-phosphate-regulation/