What Is the Difference Between a Thyroid Gland and Parathyroid Glands?

While the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands are both located in your neck, both help your body function properly, and both have similar names, they’re very different. One secretes the thyroid hormone and the other, not surprisingly, secretes parathyroid hormone. Both hormones are vital to your health, but in different ways. 

Disorders occur when either gland produces too much or too little of its namesake hormone. Thyroid disorders are far more common, but parathyroid hormone is still vital to our bodies.

At Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas, Texas, board-certified general surgeon Dr. Michael Sutker performs endocrine surgery to treat hormone disorders and restore hormonal balance. In this month’s blog, Dr. Sutker explains the difference between these two essential glands.

Thyroid gland disorders, explained

Your thyroid gland is located in the lower middle part of your neck. Thyroid hormone helps regulate your metabolism, playing a vital role in your weight and energy levels, as well as in skin, hair, and nail growth.

For some people, the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to a condition called overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid heart rate, unexplained weight loss, sweating, and hand tremors. 

For others, thyroid dysfunction takes the form of low thyroid hormone production. Symptoms of low thyroid (hypothyroidism), include weight gain and low energy.

All about parathyroid gland disorders

The parathyroid glands are four small glands in your neck, adjacent to the thyroid gland. The parathyroid hormone helps regulate blood calcium levels.

If your parathyroid glands produce too little parathyroid hormone, hypoparathyroidism, it can lead to low blood calcium levels. This condition is rare and can be easily treated with vitamin D and calcium supplements. 

Too much parathyroid hormone is more common. This condition can cause problems if the calcium in your blood becomes too high. Known as hyperparathyroidism, this condition can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones, constipation, and bone fractures.

Parathyroid and thyroid disorder treatment options

Disorders for both glands are detected by blood work. In the case of thyroid gland disorders, your endocrinologist or primary care doctor may prescribe medication to help you maintain a healthy thyroid hormone level. 

If you have hyperthyroidism and medication doesn’t work, your prescribing doctor may refer you to Dr. Sutker for surgery (thyroidectomy) to remove part or all of your thyroid gland. 

Similarly, if your hyperparathyroidism isn’t controlled by medication, Dr. Sutker may also recommend a parathyroidectomy to remove one or more of your parathyroid glands.

Do you need endocrine surgery?

For more information about endocrine surgery, call Michael Sutker, MD, in Dallas, Texas, today, or use our online booking feature to request an appointment at your convenience.