Can Large Lunulae Indicate an Overactive Thyroid and Calcium Deficiency?

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SUMMARY

Abnormally large lunulae, the white half-moon shapes at the base of nails, indicate an overactive thyroid, while the absence of lunulae suggests an underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland produces calcitonin, which plays a minor role in calcium homeostasis, primarily regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH). Individuals with large lunulae may experience calcium suppression due to elevated calcitonin levels. Further testing may be necessary for those with unusual lunula presentations, especially in the context of thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's disease.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thyroid function and hormones, particularly calcitonin and parathyroid hormone (PTH).
  • Knowledge of calcium homeostasis and its regulatory mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's disease.
  • Basic anatomy of the nail structure, specifically lunulae.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between thyroid function tests and lunula characteristics.
  • Explore the role of calcitonin in calcium regulation and its clinical significance.
  • Investigate additional diagnostic tests for thyroid disorders beyond TSH testing.
  • Learn about the implications of Hashimoto's disease on nail health and appearance.
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Endocrinologists, healthcare professionals assessing thyroid health, individuals with thyroid disorders, and anyone interested in the physiological significance of nail characteristics.

jackson6612
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Here people used to say that if someone has large lunula, then s/he is suffering from the deficiency of calcium. After searching the internet I found this: Abnormally large lunula (the white half-moon shape at the base of the nail) suggests an overactive thyroid, while the absence of a lunula can mean an under-active thyroid.

The thyroid produces the hormone calcitonin, which plays a role in calcium homeostasis.

Please read the following paragraph:

Primarily calcium is regulated by the actions of Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone and calcitonin. The only real regulatory organ is the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are located behind the thyroid, and produce parathyroid hormone in response to low calcium levels. The parafollicular cells of the thyroid produce calcitonin in response to high calcium levels, but its significance is much smaller than that of PTH.


Don't you think overactive thyroid will produce large quantities of calcitonin which will in turn suppress the level of calcium in body? If this is correct, then those people are correct.
 
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More than you ever wanted to know about the lunula:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WM8-4CNTRHW-3X&_user=768492&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F1996&_rdoc=1&_fmt=summary&_orig=browse&_srch=doc-info(%23toc%236928%231996%23999659993%23506741%23FLA%23display%23Volume)&_cdi=6928&_sort=d&_docanchor=&_ct=46&_acct=C000042518&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=768492&md5=1026e3a93498d01bb5b4f2454f7379ca
 
I have very large lunulas (1/3 of the nail) but my doctor said after an TSH test that my thyroid is OK. There is definitely a reason for this condition (abnormally large lunulas). What other tests could I request?
 
I have Hashimoto's disease (a form of hypothyroid) and my nails are lunula-less! :biggrin: HOWEVER - on the nail of my lt. 5th finger, my lunula is inverted and covers about 3/4 of the nail.

I've been told I'm 'different'... I guess it's true. :biggrin:
 
Tsu said:
I've been told I'm 'different'... I guess it's true. :biggrin:

I'll vouch for that one! :biggrin: