Theparathyroid glandis a set of four or more pea-sized organs in the neck.
Its main job is to makeparathyroid hormone(PTH), which controls calcium levels in your bloodstream.
This article reviews the types, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperparathyroidism.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
It also discusses the role ofcalciumand vitamin D in disease development and management.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Are the Parathyroid and Thyroid Glands the Same?
Thethyroid glandregulates metabolism and releases thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
The excess PTH pulls calcium into the bloodstream from the bones.
All of these PTH-driven actions result in elevated blood calcium levels.
Secondary
Secondary hyperparathyroidism isnota disease of the parathyroid gland.
The low blood calcium levels are most commonly due tovitamin D deficiencyorchronic kidney disease.
As a result of insufficient vitamin D levels in the body, low calcium levels develop.
The low calcium levels trigger the parathyroid gland to release parathyroid hormone in an attempt to raise calcium levels.
Hyperparathyroidism Symptoms
Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism depend on the throw in.
Most people with primary hyperparathyroidism have no or minimal symptoms.
For example, a person with secondary hyperparathyroidism from vitamin D deficiency may have muscle aches or mild weakness.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism fromchronic kidney diseaseis also linked to osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Diagnosis: How Do You Know You Have Hyperparathyroidism?
The diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism is based on results from ablood calcium testandblood parathyroid hormone test.
Withprimary hyperparathyroidism, most individuals will have a high calcium and PTH level.
Withsecondary hyperparathyroidism, individuals have a high PTH and a normal or low blood calcium level.
Results from these studies also help guide management, like whether parathyroid surgery is needed.
Nonsurgical therapies may be advised in certain situations.
Such therapies might include:
Appropriate calcium intake/supplementation is also advised.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Treatment
The treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism involves correcting the root cause.
Vitamin D deficiency from gut malabsorption requires additional therapies like eating agluten-free dietif diagnosed with celiac disease.
You will also need calcium supplements after the operation until your body adjusts.
In the end, health risks will be minimized if a person’s hyperparathyroidism is cured or managed well.
With surgerythe only curable treatmentresearch has found long-term improvements in quality of life.
Summary
Hyperparathyroidism is an overactive parathyroid gland that releases excess parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Primary hyperparathyroidism does not usually cause symptoms but can lead to bone loss and kidney stones if not treated.
The good news is that primary hyperparathyroidism can be cured by surgically removing the parathyroid gland.
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