Osteoporosis, or bone disease, affects nearly 57 million Americans. You are probably familiar with the connection between calcium and osteoporosis, but did you know that osteoporosis might be caused by an underlying parathyroid disorder?
The parathyroid is comprised of four small glands positioned behind your thyroid that regulate calcium in your bloodstream. Head and neck surgeon Babak Larian, MD, FACS is an expert in treating parathyroid disorders with cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgeries.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which a person’s bones become brittle, weak, and thin. Our bones are continuously changing and a small amount of bone loss is normal in men and women over 35. It is when too much bone is lost that osteoporosis is a risk.
How Can I Prevent Osteoporosis?
It is important to ensure you have enough calcium in your diet. When your body is not getting enough calcium from the foods you eat, it will take it from your bones, weakening them over time. Dairy products, leafy greens, and nuts are excellent sources of calcium. Consult your physician before taking a calcium supplement, as each person’s needs are different.
In addition to calcium, exercise helps strengthen bones. A consistent exercise regimen is an important part of osteoporosis prevention.
The Parathyroid and Osteoporosis
As previously mentioned, the parathyroid can play a role in your risk for osteoporosis. When the parathyroid produces more parathyroid hormone than your body needs, known as hyperparathyroidism, there will be an imbalance of calcium in your bloodstream. Because of this imbalance, all patients with hyperparathyroidism will develop osteoporosis and the disease will only progress as long as the hyperparathyroidism is left untreated.
Treatment
Hyperparathyroidism cannot be treated with medication. The only treatment is surgical removal of the dysfunctional parathyroid gland and it is important to remove it early. Dr. Babak Larian is an expert head and neck surgeon, specializing in minimally invasive parathyroid removal. He is one of the few surgeons in the country who removes the parathyroid through a small incision and tests hormone levels during surgery to ensure the problematic gland is removed.
While the effects of osteoporosis caused by a parathyroid disorder cannot be reversed, catching it early is key in preventing significant bone loss and stopping the progression of the bone disease. Most patients experience a great amount of symptom relief immediately after surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation At the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery
If you think you may have osteoporosis caused by hyperparathyroidism or have questions about the disease, call to schedule a consultation today. At the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Larian provides his patients with the best care and treatment possible, while using state-of-the-art technologies. To learn more about hyperparathyroidism and osteoporosis, please contact Dr. Larian today by calling 310-461-0300 to schedule your initial consultation.
