The thyroid gland, position on the front of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating the human body’s metabolism. It releases hormones that control the digestive tract, heart functions, brain development, and bone health, to mention a few.

What are Thyroid Disorders?

Thyroid disease affects the thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones, resulting in an overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid gland.

Hormonal imbalances of this kind have a direct connection to calcium levels in the body.

Hyperthyroidism and Calcium Levels

Hyperthyroidism refers to an overactive thyroid gland that produces and secretes hormones in excess, leading to a high metabolic rate.

Hyperthyroidism can result in low calcium levels in the blood, as the thyroid gland’s hormones regulate the body’s calcium absorption. If the thyroid gland produces more hormones than required, it leads to increased calcium loss through urine and feces, leading to a calcium deficiency.

Hypothyroidism and Calcium Levels

Hypothyroidism is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces a low level of hormones, resulting in a slow metabolic rate. However, low levels of thyroid hormones can also lead to a decrease in calcium levels in the body.

The body’s ability to absorb calcium is impaired when the thyroid gland produces low hormone levels, leading to a calcium imbalance in the body. Furthermore, the bone-reabsorbing cells release more calcium into the body than the bone-building cells absorb, resulting in a calcium deficiency.

Thyroid Cancer and Calcium Levels

Thyroid cancer affects the cells of the thyroid gland, leading to abnormal growth and division of cells. Thyroid cancer does not directly affect calcium levels in the body.

However, some treatments for cancer, such as thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine treatment, can lead to a drop in calcium levels. After a patient has undergone a thyroidectomy, the body may need to adjust to the changes and temporarily reduce calcium levels in the blood.

Radioactive iodine treatment can damage the parathyroid gland’s cells, leading to a drop in calcium levels.

Causes of Calcium Imbalance in the Body

Thyroid disorders are not the only cause of calcium imbalance in the body. Several factors can affect the body’s calcium absorption and distribution, such as:.

Vitamin D deficiency, which impairs calcium absorption
Excessive calcium loss through urine and feces
Medical conditions that affect hormonal balance, such as parathyroid disorders and kidney disease
Taking medications that interfere with calcium absorption, such as antacids and corticosteroids

Preventing Calcium Deficiency

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in the human body’s functioning, such as bone health, muscle contractions, and nerve function.

When there is a deficiency of calcium in the body, it can lead to several conditions, such as osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Preventing calcium deficiency involves incorporating calcium-rich foods in your diet or taking calcium supplements, especially for people with insufficient calcium levels. Foods that are rich in calcium include:.

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
Fruits, such as orange, fig, and kiwi
Vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and broccoli
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sesame seeds
Fish, such as salmon and sardines

Conclusion

Calcium and thyroid hormones are closely connected, with an imbalance in thyroid hormones causing a calcium deficiency in the body. Therefore, it is essential to monitor and regulate thyroid hormones and calcium levels in the body.

Consulting a medical professional is crucial in maintaining a healthy thyroid gland and preventing calcium deficiency.