The four parathyroid glands are embedded near the thyroid, with two attached to each thyroid lobe, on opposites sides of the throat. Hormones from the parathyroid glands help control calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. These glands oversee the breaking down of bone cells to release more of these minerals into the blood; a hormone from the thyroid has the opposite effect, and builds up the bones. Control of this system depends on blood levels of calcium ions: low levels "turn on" hormone production to break down bone tissue, so that blood levels remain stable. It is important to absorb enough dietary calcium to avoid this breakdown of bone tissue. Also: Parathyroid Gland, Parathyroid Glands, Parathyroids

	Addison's Disease The Condition "...Less commonly associated auto-immune diseases are insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and insufficiencies of the parathyroid glands, gonads, and vitamin B12 absorption (pernicious anemia)..." Cushing's Syndrome / Hypercortisolism The Condition "...In Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type I (MEN I), hormone secreting tumors of the parathyroid glands, pancreas and pituitary occur..." Endocrine Glands Related Topic "A set of glands including the pituitary, hypothalamus, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus and adrenal glands, as well as the pancreas, ovaries and testes..." Hyperparathyroidism The Condition "Most people with primary hyperparathyroidism have one or more enlarged, overactive parathyroid glands that secrete too much parathyroid hormone..." Hypertension The Condition "...Parathyroid Hypertensive Factor (PHF) is a hormone produced by the parathyroid gland..." Kelp As A Treatment "...Glandular System: The parathyroid glands are imbedded in the thyroid gland..." Osteoarthritis Recommendation Boron "...6] Boron influences calcium and magnesium metabolism, possibly through the parathyroid gland..." Parathyroid Hormone Related Topic "A hormone released by the parathyroid glands that acts to keep a constant level of calcium in body tissues..." Rheumatoid Arthritis Recommendation Boron "...It does influence calcium and magnesium metabolism, and this is possibly through the parathyroid gland..." Tetany Related Topic "A condition of physiologic calcium imbalance marked by tonic spasm of muscles and often associated with deficient parathyroid secretion..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007