When your parathyroid glands produce and release excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in your bloodstream, you have hyperparathyroidism. These rice-grain-sized glands are situated at the base of your neck, behind the thyroid.
What is hyperparathyroidism?
A disorder known as hyperparathyroidism occurs when one or more of your parathyroid glands become overactive and secrete an excessive amount of parathyroid hormone or PTH hormone. As a result, you develop hypercalcemia, a disorder marked by elevated blood calcium levels.
What are parathyroid glands?
There are four pea-sized parathyroid glands in your body situated on the thyroid glands posterior outer edges which is present on the front of your neck.
PTH is a hormone that your parathyroid glands secrete to assist regulate your body's calcium and phosphorus levels. Parathyroid hormone function includes the release of calcium into the bloodstream by bones, absorption of calcium from the diet in the intestine,and preservation of calcium by the kidneys.
Your bones and teeth are kept strong and healthy by the mineral calcium. Additionally, it is necessary for the healthy operation of your heart, muscles, and nerves.
Your parathyroid glands will release PTH into the blood if calcium levels in the blood are too low. Levels of calcium increase as a result. These glands will stop producing PTH if blood calcium levels are too high.
How does hyperparathyroidism occur?
Primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism are the two types of hy[erparathyroidism:
Primary hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid glands and usually caused by enlargement or tumor within the parathyroid gland.
In secondary hyperparathyroidism, the parathyroid glands become overactive in reaction to a different underlying ailment that is leading to calcium loss. Kidney failure, severe vitamin D deficiency, and severe calcium inadequacy are a few disorders that might lower calcium levels. The overactive parathyroid gland is your body's attempt to maintain proper calcium levels.
What are the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?
You might not have any symptoms if you have early hyperparathyroidism. You may experience a few of the following signs and symptoms if you have mild hyperparathyroidism:
- Painful joints
- Muscle sluggishness
- Being worn out
- Forgetfulness
- Having trouble focusing
- Decrease in appetite
You can have the following symptoms if your hyperparathyroidism is more severe:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Depression
- Increased urination and thirst
- Bone ache
- Constipation
How is hyperparathyroidism diagnosed?
A blood test for primary hyperparathyroidism will reveal higher-than-average calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. A sestamibi scan may be prescribed by your doctor to look for growths or gland enlargement of your parathyroid gland(s).
look for problems from hyperparathyroidism, additional testing could be required. These tests could involve:
- An examination of your blood for vitamin D levels. In people with hyperparathyroidism, low vitamin D levels are typical
- A bone density test to detect bone thinning
- A renal imaging test, such as an ultrasound, to look for kidney stones
- A 24-hour urine collection test to gauge the levels of calcium and other substances in your urine and assist in identifying the cause of your hyperparathyroidism
- Blood tests to evaluate your kidney function
What is a parathyroid hormone (PTH) test?
The parathyroid hormone (PTH) level in the blood is determined by a PTH blood test. Your parathyroid glands produce PTH, also referred to as parathormone.
PTH levels that are excessively high or low might have negative effects on health.
When should I get parathyroid hormone testing?
If the results of your last calcium test were abnormal, you might require a PTH test. If you exhibit signs of having too much or too little calcium in your blood, you might also require this test.
How is hyperparathyroidism treated?
If you have moderate hyperparathyroidism (no symptoms, slightly raised blood calcium levels), your doctor may decide against treating it straight away. Instead, your healthcare professional will check your blood pressure, kidney function, bone density, and blood calcium levels every six months.
If your doctor determines that you don't require immediate treatment for your hyperparathyroidism, make sure to:
- Drink lots of water
- To keep your bones strong, be active and increase your exercise regimen
- Lithium and thiazide diuretics should not be taken as they may cause your blood calcium levels to rise
- If your vitamin D level is low, ask your doctor if you need to take a vitamin D supplement
Your doctor may advise surgery to remove the hyperactive gland if you have more severe hyperparathyroidism symptoms, an enlarged parathyroid gland (or glands), or a growth on your parathyroid gland.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
