Hyperparathyroidism is a condition wherein the parathyroid glands create too much parathyroid hormone. This can cause the levels of calcium in the blood to rise, which, without treatment, can lead to a number of problems.
People typically have four parathyroid glands. These are small glands located near the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands release
This article will look at hyperparathyroidism in more detail, including its symptoms, causes, treatments, and possible risk factors.
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There are three types of hyperparathyroidism. These are:
Primary hyperparathyroidism
This type of hyperparathyroidism
In some cases, the cause of primary hyperthyroidism may be a tumor on one or more of the glands.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Tertiary hyperparathyroidism
This type occurs when a person has long standing secondary hyperparathyroidism. This type of hyperparathyroidism
The symptoms can vary in severity and depend on the type of hyperparathyroidism a person is experiencing.
The following sections will look at symptoms by type.
Primary hyperparathyroidism
Initially, people with primary hyperparathyroidism are unlikely to have any symptoms. However, over time, they may experience symptoms due to the high levels of calcium in the body.
These symptoms may include:
- excessive thirst
- fatigue
- increased urination
- constipation
- memory impairment
- confusion
- nausea
- headaches
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
According to the National Kidney Foundation, secondary hyperparathyroidism can cause bone disease. This is because people with secondary hyperparathyroidism often experience high bone turnover.
High bone turnover occurs when the cells that remove bone work quicker than those that build new bone. This can cause bones to become weak and brittle, leading to an increased risk of bone pain and fractures.
As a result of this process, a person with secondary hyperparathyroidism may experience the following symptoms:
- bone irregularities
- itching of the skin
- open non-healing wounds
Some people with secondary hyperparathyroidism may experience calciphylaxis.
Calciphylaxis refers to a buildup of calcium in the body, which can cause chalk-like deposits to form in the blood vessels of the skin. This may narrow the blood vessels and reduce supply to the skin and fatty tissue. As a result, it can lead to blood clots, skin ulcers, infection, and skin necrosis.
Due to the differences in the underlying causes, each type of hyperparathyroidism may require different tests for a doctor to make a diagnosis.
The sections below will look at diagnosis by type.
Primary hyperparathyroidism
The
Normally, a person with primary hyperparathyroidism will have
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
A doctor may also use blood tests to diagnose secondary hyperparathyroidism. A person with secondary hyperparathyroidism may also require urine and kidney tests to assess the severity and cause of the condition.
Additionally, doctors may use a bone density X-ray, also known as a DEXA scan, to detect bone softening, bone loss, or fractures.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism may be the result of kidney disease. For this reason, a person should speak to a doctor if they experience kidney stones, kidney inflammation, or kidney infections.
A person should also consider speaking to a doctor if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- difficulty sleeping
- muscle cramps
- shortness of breath
- swollen ankles, feet, or hands
The treatment for hyperparathyroidism will also depend on which type a person has.
The sections below will look at treatment options by type.
Primary hyperparathyroidism
Treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism may include:
- Surgery: If the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a tumor, a surgeon may remove this. Alternatively, if the cause is the glands becoming enlarged, the surgeon may remove these.
- Calcimimetics: This type of drug reduces levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone. Doctors usually reserve this option for people who are not good surgical candidates.
- Vitamin D supplements:
Often , people with primary hyperparathyroidism present with vitamin D deficiency. In these cases, doctors may prescribe supplements to help increase a person’s levels of vitamin D. - Bisphosphonates: Bisphosphonates are a type of drug that reduces bone loss and increases bone mineral density.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
However, people may also require phosphate binders to reduce the absorption of dietary phosphate. This is because people with kidney problems may have increased levels of phosphate in their bodies.
If a person requires an increase in their vitamin D intake, the following
- salmon
- trout
- swordfish
- mackerel
- yogurt
- whole milk
A person with hyperparathyroidism should also consider:
- Drinking plenty of fluids: This can help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
- Exercising regularly: This may help with bone strength.
- Stopping or reducing smoking: Smoking
can decrease bone mass. This may cause further problems with a person’s bones.
A person can develop hyperparathyroidism at any stage of their life. However, certain groups are at greater risk of developing it.
Some risk factors include:
- Gender: Some evidence suggests that women are three times more likely to develop this condition than men.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin D or calcium deficiencies may result in secondary hyperparathyroidism.
- Certain medications: Some drugs may affect calcium levels. For example,
lithium — which can help treat bipolar disorder — can cause elevated levels of calcium in the blood and result in primary hyperparathyroidism. - Radiation therapy: People receiving radiation therapy to treat neck cancer may go on to develop primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Age: Although people of any age can experience primary hyperparathyroidism, it appears to be most common between the ages of
50 and 60 years .
The different types of hyperparathyroidism can lead to different complications.
The sections below will look at some possible complications by type.
Primary hyperparathyroidism
The
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
The complications of secondary hyperparathyroidism may include:
- calciphylaxis
- bone irregularities
- fractures
- immune dysfunction
- muscle atrophy
In most cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, undergoing surgery can help address the problem. Surgery can help ease the symptoms and allow a person to continue with their life as normal.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is
When the parathyroid glands create too much parathyroid hormone, it may lead to hyperparathyroidism.
There are two main types of hyperparathyroidism: primary and secondary.
The cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is an issue with the parathyroid glands. The cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism is an underlying condition.
Hyperparathyroidism can negatively affect a person’s health and quality of life. However, with prompt treatment, a person can improve their chance of recovery and reduce their risk of long-term complications.