Hyperparathyroidism: causes, symptoms and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that occurs when the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone helps regulate the levels of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus in bones and blood. Some people with this condition don't experience any symptoms and don't need treatment. However, some people have mild or serious symptoms that may require surgery.

The parathyroid glands are 4 pea-sized endocrine glands that are located in the neck, near or attached to the back of the thyroid. The endocrine glands produce hormones which are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Despite having a similar name and adjacent to the neck, the parathyroid and thyroid glands are two different organs.

How common is hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism is a common condition. This condition is more common in women. However, this condition can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?

The signs and symptoms of this disease can vary from mild to serious, depending on the type of hyperparathyroidism you have.

Here are some of the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism by type:

Primary hyperparathyroidism

Some patients do not experience any symptoms. If you have it, symptoms can range from mild to serious. Less severe symptoms include:

Fatigue
Weakness
Depression
Pain in the body

More serious symptoms can include:

Loss of appetite
Constipation
Gag
Nausea
Excessive thirst
Increased urine production
Dazed
Memory problems
Kidney stones

This type of hyperparathyroidism can cause you to have bone disorders, such as fractures, swollen joints, and defects in bones. Other signs and symptoms depend on the cause, such as chronic kidney failure or a serious vitamin D deficiency.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop this condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies, so talk to your doctor right away to prevent this serious condition.

If you have signs or symptoms above or other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes hyperparathyroidism?

In hyperparathyroidism, one or more parathyroid glands become overactive (overactive), producing excess parathyroid hormone. This can be caused by a tumor, enlarged glands, or structural problems of the parathyroid glands.

When calcium levels are too low, the parathyroid glands respond by increasing parathyroid hormone production. This causes the kidneys and intestines to absorb a larger amount of calcium. It also removes more calcium from the bones. The production of parathyroid hormone returns to normal when calcium levels rise again.

Triggers

What increases my risk for hyperparathyroidism?

You may have a higher risk of this condition if you have the following conditions:

A woman who has gone through menopause
Have had a prolonged lack of calcium or vitamin D
Have a rare inherited disease, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, which usually affects multiple glands
Have had radiation treatment for cancer that exposes the neck to radiation
Have ever taken lithium, a drug that is often used to treat bipolar disorder

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is hyperparathyroidism diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you have this condition, a physical exam may be done and some tests may also be recommended by your doctor, such as:

Blood test.Additional blood tests can help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis. The doctor will check your blood for high levels of parathyroid hormone, high levels of alkaline phosphatase, and low levels of phosphorus.
Urine test.A urine test can help your doctor determine how serious the condition is and whether kidney problems are the cause. The doctor will check the urine to see how much calcium is in it.
Kidney test.The doctor can do an x-ray of the stomach to check for abnormalities in the kidneys.

How is hyperparathyroidism treated?

Primary hyperparathyroidism

You may not need treatment if your kidneys are working well, if calcium levels are only slightly elevated, or if bone density is normal. In this case, the doctor can monitor your condition once a year and check your blood calcium level twice a year.

Your doctor will also recommend monitoring how much calcium and vitamin D you are getting in your diet. You also need to drink plenty of water to reduce your risk of kidney stones. You also have to exercise regularly to strengthen bones.

If treatment is required, surgery is usually the option taken. The surgical procedure involves removing an enlarged parathyroid gland or a tumor in the gland. Complications are rare and include long-term damage to the vocal cord nerves and low calcium levels. Hormone replacement therapy can help bones attach to calcium. This therapy can treat osteoporosis in women who have gone through menopause, although there are risks with long-term use, including the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism

Treatment involves restoring parathyroid hormone levels to normal by treating the cause. Treatment methods include using vitamin D as prescribed for calcium deficiency and severe vitamin D for chronic kidney failure. You may also need medication and dialysis if you have chronic kidney failure.