Medical Can Large Lunulae Indicate an Overactive Thyroid and Calcium Deficiency?

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Large lunulas may indicate thyroid issues, with an overactive thyroid potentially leading to larger lunulas due to increased calcitonin production, which can suppress calcium levels. The primary regulators of calcium are Vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin, with the parathyroid gland being the main regulatory organ. Despite having large lunulas, some individuals report normal thyroid function based on TSH tests, suggesting other underlying causes for this condition. In contrast, those with hypothyroidism, like Hashimoto's disease, may experience a lack of lunulas altogether. The discussion highlights the complexity of nail health and its potential links to thyroid function.
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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.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
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:
 
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