Hyperparathyroidism Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Hyperparathyroidism Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where there is an excess amount of parathyroid hormone in the blood resulting from increased activity of one or more of the four parathyroid glands in the body. The gland is about the size of a grain of rice and is located in the neck.

The parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone. Its job is to help maintain the balance of calcium in the blood and in the tissues that need calcium to function properly.

There are two types of hyperparathyroidism. In primary hyperparathyroidism, there is an enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands. This condition causes an increase in the production of this hormone and thus triggers an increase in calcium levels in the blood and various health problems. Surgery is generally the most common treatment option for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by another disease that initially causes a decrease in calcium levels in the body and over time causes an increase in parathyroid hormone levels.

Symptom

Hyperparathyroidism is generally diagnosed before the signs and symptoms of the disorder appear. When signs and symptoms are present, they are generally caused by damage or dysfunction of another organ or tissue due to high levels of calcium in the blood and urine or low calcium in the bones.

Signs and symptoms that occur can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Bones that crack or fracture easily (osteoporosis)
• Kidney stones
• Excess urination
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or fatigue
• Depression or forgetfulness
• Pain in bones or joints
• Often complains of experiencing pain for no apparent reason
• Nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite

Reason

Primary hyperparathyroidism can result from a problem with one or more of the four parathyroid glands. This can include a mass (adenoma) in one of the parathyroid glands, enlargement (hyperplasia) of two or more parathyroid glands, or, more rarely, a cancerous growth (malignant tumor) in one of the parathyroid glands.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism can result from other health conditions that lower calcium levels. This causes an increase in the work of the parathyroid glands to compensate for decreased calcium levels in the body. Some of the factors that can cause secondary hyperparathyroidism are severe calcium deficiency, severe vitamin D deficiency, and chronic kidney disease.

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of primary hyperparathyroidism, including:

• Women who have gone through menopause
• Have a severe and prolonged deficiency of calcium or vitamin D
• Have a rare inherited disease, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, which generally affects more than one gland
• Have had radiation therapy for cancer, with the neck exposed to radiation

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism can be determined from a detailed medical interview, direct physical examination, and certain investigations.

Several types of supporting examinations that can be carried out are:

• Blood test. This examination can be done to assess the levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone in the blood.
• Bone densitometry examination. This examination can be done to see bone mineral density.
• Urine examination. A 24-hour urine test may be performed to evaluate kidney function and the amount of calcium excreted from the urine.
• Kidney imaging. The doctor may recommend kidney imaging tests such as X-rays or other imaging to determine whether the individual has kidney stones or other kidney abnormalities.