Can Large Lunulae Indicate an Overactive Thyroid and Calcium Deficiency?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential implications of large lunulae on health, specifically whether they indicate an overactive thyroid and calcium deficiency. Participants explore the relationship between lunula size, thyroid function, and calcium regulation, touching on both medical observations and personal experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that large lunulae may indicate an overactive thyroid, referencing the role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis.
  • One participant mentions that their doctor confirmed normal thyroid function despite having very large lunulae, raising questions about other potential causes.
  • A participant with Hashimoto's disease notes the absence of lunulae, presenting a contrasting case that challenges the initial claim about lunula size and thyroid activity.
  • There is a suggestion that further tests may be necessary to understand the reasons behind abnormal lunula size, indicating uncertainty about the underlying causes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between lunula size and thyroid function. Multiple competing views are presented, with some asserting a connection while others provide personal experiences that contradict this notion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on the significance of lunula size and its relationship to thyroid health, as well as the potential influence of individual health conditions that may not align with general observations.

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: