Hyperparathyroidism

What is Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more of your parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone. This hormonal imbalance causes an increase in the levels of calcium in your blood, which can lead to a number of health problems.

Parathyroid glands are tiny organs located in the neck. The parathyroid hormone helps regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorous in your body. When hyperparathyroidism occurs, the glands produce too much of this hormone, which leads to increased calcium levels and a host of other health problems.

Causes Of Hyperparathyroidism

The exact cause of hyperparathyroidism is not known, but there are a few potential causes:

• Adenoma: A benign (noncancerous) tumor of the parathyroid gland, which can cause the gland to produce too much parathyroid hormone.
• Hyperplasia: An abnormal increase in the number of cells in the parathyroid gland, which results in increased parathyroid hormone production.
• Parathyroid cancer: A rare form of cancer that affects the parathyroid gland, causing it to produce too much parathyroid hormone.
• Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease can cause a decrease in calcium levels, resulting in an increase in the parathyroid hormone level.

Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism can have a number of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Muscle pain and cramps
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Abdominal pain and nausea
• Depression and anxiety

Treatments for Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism is usually treated with surgery to remove or destroy the affected parathyroid gland. In some cases, medications and dietary changes may be recommended to help regulate calcium levels.

Surgery is the most common treatment and typically involves removing one of the four parathyroid glands, or destroying the affected gland. If your doctor suspects that there may be an underlying condition, they may also recommend tests to diagnose any underlying problems.

Medications such as calcimimetic drugs can also be used to help regulate calcium levels, while dietary changes can also help to limit the absorption of calcium from food, thus reducing blood calcium levels.

Conclusion

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more of your parathyroid glands produces too much parathyroid hormone. It can cause a number of health problems, including fatigue, bone pain, muscle cramps, frequent urination, increased thirst, and abdominal pain. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove or destroy the affected gland, as well as medications and dietary changes to help regulate calcium levels.