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Overactive Parathyroid Glands- Hyperparathyroidism
What are parathyroid glands?
You have four parathyroid glands present at the back of your thyroid gland or in the neck area. These glands are tiny in size, but their function in the endocrine system is very substantial.
Parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the volume of Calcium in your body. Calcium is essential for muscle and nerve function, and too much or too little can result in serious health problems.
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism means that your parathyroid glands are secreting too much PTH. If left untreated, this condition can result in a range of problems, including:
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney stones
- Muscle aches
- Stomach ulcers
- Pancreatitis
- Concentration difficulties
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Heart rhythm issues
Hyperparathyroidism, which means excess PTH production, can occur without provocation or stem from another medical problem.
What is hypoparathyroidism?
Hypoparathyroidism is a condition that results when your parathyroid glands do not produce sufficient PTH. This results in low blood calcium levels.
With low calcium levels in your blood, you might notice changes in your muscle and nerve functions. Hypoparathyroidism also increases the phosphorus levels in your blood.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Muscle aches or cramps
- Twitching or spasms in muscles
- Brittle nails
- Patchy hair loss
- Depression or anxiety
- Fatigue or weakness
There are several causes for hypoparathyroidism, including genetic factors, neck surgery, autoimmune disease, or radiation treatment for cancers.
What is the treatment for hypoparathyroidism?
Treatment for hypoparathyroidism include:
- Vitamin D therapy
- Oral calcium supplementation
- Medications
For most people with hypoparathyroidism, the treatment usually lasts a lifetime. You will need routine screening for calcium levels, and your treatment needs tweaking periodically depending on the calcium levels and clinical symptoms.
What is the treatment for hyperparathyroidism?
Surgery is usually the treatment choice for hyperparathyroidism if the parathyroid gland causes it. Usually, medications may not effectively reduce calcium levels in your blood. These days hyperparathyroidism surgeries use minimally invasive techniques; however, in some cases, it may require a 6-8 inch incision at the base of your neck. In some cases, medical management includes certain medications.
If you’re concerned about unusual symptoms from Calcium or parathyroid disorders, call District Endocrine’s office to set up an office visit.
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