HYPOPARATHYROIDISM.
Parathyroid glands are secretors located on the nodes of the thyroid glands. They produce the parathyroid hormone (PTH), which controls the body’s calcium levels to prevent disorders like hypoparathyroidism that Judy faces, thus having symptoms like muscle cramps, depression, and tingling sensations. Parathyroid glands are oval and brownish, with an approximate length between two to seven millimeters (Covic et al., 2020). According to most animal species, they are soft and originate between the third and fourth pharyngeal pouches in two pairs.
The response of calcium levels to the Parathyroid gland via the bloodstream is the critical factor that regulates the body’s PTH. Reduced calcium levels in the bloodstream trigger the secretion of parathyroid hormone, while increased calcium levels in the bloodstream consequently hinder the production of PTH. However, Judy’s body cannot produce the required amount of PTH when needed, thus suffering from a low amount of calcium in her blood and low estrogen levels.
PTH controls calcium in the body via osteoclast cells in the skeleton and Calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D to reabsorb calcium into the bloodstream from bones and intestines. Additionally, PTH acts on the kidney to absorb calcium from urine. Calcium is a critical molecule in the body since it enables efficient transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. Moreover, calcium ensures an excellent relation of actin and myosin in the muscles for efficient contraction. The doctor opted to conduct an Electrocardiography on Judy since severe calcium deficiency can lead to shortness of breath, resulting in an increased heart rate.
Calcitonin is the antagonistic hormone to PTH. It inhibits osteoclasts cells from breaking down bones to reabsorb calcium into the bloodstream and slower calcium absorption in the kidney to prevent hypercalcemia due to PTH’s overproduction. It is also logical to rule out that Judy had excessive Calcitonin in comparison to PTH that inhibited the production of vitamin D, which would absorb calcium from her digested meals.
References
Covic, A., Goldsmith, D., & Torres, P. A. (2020). Parathyroid glands in chronic kidney disease. Springer Nature.