Parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located on your thyroid. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood and tissues. Hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid gland disease is a condition in which one or more of your parathyroid glands secrete too much PTH, leading to increased levels of calcium in your blood. Sometimes, hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed accidentally when a blood test shows increased levels of calcium.
Hyperparathyroidism can be either primary (caused by a problem in parathyroid glands themselves) or secondary (a complication of another condition). If the condition is primary, surgery to remove a gland (or glands) is often recommended. This procedure is usually successful and highly effective. If the condition is secondary, treatment of the underlying cause will allow your parathyroid glands to work properly again.
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism may show no symptoms at first. But if symptoms are present, they usually include the following:
- Weakness and tiredness.
- Depression.
- Body aches.
If your case is severe, symptoms may also include:
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Constipation.
- Problems with thinking and memory.
- Excessive thirst and urination.
- Abdominal pain.
- Bone and joint pain.
If you have some or all of the symptoms described above, tell your doctor about them.
Causes of hyperparathyroidism
Primary hyperparathyroidism develops when the problem is with a parathyroid gland. The most common cause of primary form of the condition is adenoma (a benign formation) on one of the glands. The second most common cause is hyperplasia (overgrowth) of two or more parathyroid glands. Parathyroid cancer is rare, but can also cause hyperparathyroidism.
Causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism include the following:
- severe lack of calcium in your body, either due to a poor diet or malabsorption;
- severe lack of vitamin D, which aids the absorption of calcium;
- chronic kidney failure.
- Complications of hyperparathyroidism
If hyperparathyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to the following:
- osteoporosis, a condition in which your bones become weak, fragile, and prone to fractures;
- kidney stones, formed as a result of excessive levels of calcium in your blood;
- increased blood pressure and heart disease.
Hyperparathyroidism usually responds well to treatment. Also, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding diet, fluid intake, and exercise.
