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Hyperparathyroidism
Definition
Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands in your neck produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Alternative Names
Parathyroid-related hypercalcemiaCauses
The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland. They produce parathyroid hormone. This hormone controls calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and bone.
When calcium levels are too low, the body responds by making more parathyroid hormone. This hormone causes calcium levels in the blood to rise, as more calcium is taken from the bone and reabsorbed by the intestines and kidney.
One or more of the parathyroid glands may grow larger. This leads to too much parathyroid hormone (a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism). Most often, the cause is not known.
- The disease is most common in people over age 60, but it can also occur in younger adults. Hyperparathyroidism in childhood is very unusual.
- Women are more likely to be affected than men.
- Radiation to the head and neck increases the risk.
- Rarely, the disease is caused by parathyroid cancer.
Medical conditions that cause low blood calcium levels or increased phosphate levels can lead to secondary hypoparathyroidism. Common causes include:
- Conditions that make it hard for the body to break down phosphate
- Kidney failure
- Not enough calcium in the diet
- Too much calcium lost in the urine
- Vitamin D disorders (which are often seen in children who do not get enough nutrition, and in older adults who do not get enough sunlight
- Problems absorbing nutrients from food (called malabsorption)
Symptoms
Often hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed before symptoms occur.
Symptoms are mostly caused by damage to organs from high calcium levels in the blood, or by the loss of calcium from the bones. Symptoms can include:
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Depression and forgetfulness
- Feeling tired, ill, and weak
- Fragile bones of the limbs and spine that can break easily
- Increased amount of urine produced
- Kidney stones
- Nausea and loss of appetite
Exams and Tests
Blood tests will be done to check for increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and alkaline phosphatase, and lower levels of phosphorous. A 24-hour urine collection test can help determine how much calcium is being removed from the body.
Bone x-rays and bone mineral density (DXA) tests can help detect bone loss, fractures, or bone softening.
X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans of the kidneys or urinary tract may show calcium deposits or a blockage.
Treatment
If you have mildly increased calcium levels from primary hyperparathyroidism and you do not have symptoms, you may choose to have regular checkups or get treated.
If you decide to have treatment, it may include:
- Drinking more fluids to prevent kidney stones from forming
- Exercising
- Avoiding thiazide-type diuretics ("water pills")
- Having surgery to remove the overactive glands (recommended for people under age 50)
If you have symptoms or your calcium level is very high, you may need surgery to remove the parathyroid gland that is overproducing the hormone.
Treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism depends on the cause. Your doctor may suggest:
- A special form of prescribed vitamin D, if you have low vitamin D levels
- Surgery for cancer
Patients whose hyperparathyroidism is caused by kidney failure may be treated with:
- Extra calcium and vitamin D
- Avoiding phosphate in the diet
- The medicine cinacalcet (Sensipar)
- Dialysis or a kidney transplant
- Parathyroid surgery, if the parathyroid levels become uncontrollably high
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook depends on the type of hyperparathyroidism.
Long-term problems that can occur when hyperparathyroidism is not well controlled include:
- Increased risk of bone fractures
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Kidney stones
References
Wysolmerski JJ, Insogna KL. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 253.
Bringhurst FR, Demay MB, Kronenberg HM. Hormones and disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Kronenberg HM, Schlomo M, Polansky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap. 28.
Reviewed By: Shehzad Topiwala, MD, Chief Consultant Endocrinologist, Premier Medical Associates, The Villages, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
