Primary hyperparathyroidism is a medical condition wherein at least one of the parathyroid glands produces an excess amount of PTH. This can cause the deficiency of bone tissue and it is more common among women than in men.
The parathyroid glands are four small glands situated close to or on the rear of the thyroid glands underneath Adam’s apple. These glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH).
The level of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus in the body is regulated by the parathyroid glands. The signal to release or produce PTH is determined by the level of calcium in the blood. PTH helps adjust how much calcium in the body is required. In case, the calcium level in the body is excessively low, PTH produces more calcium to balance the level by absorbing the calcium from the intestines and from the bones. PTH also decreases the calcium level by discharging it in urine.
Parathyroid glands are generally very small and the size of one gland could be as small as a grain of rice. At times, one or more of these glands grow and produce an excess amount of PTH. In some cases, an increase in the size of one of these glands can increase the level of PTH.
An excess amount of PTH increases the level of calcium in the blood. This medical condition is known as hypercalcemia, which leads to various symptoms:
- Stomach issues
- Fatigue
- Increase in urination
- confusion
How do you identify the symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism?
Generally, primary hyperparathyroidism has no symptoms. In case there are symptoms, they are normally mild. Postmenopausal women are more likely to get affected by primary hyperparathyroidism. People who have hyperparathyroidism may experience high blood pressure. The blood pressure will scale down once you treat hyperparathyroidism.
Symptoms that happen with hyperparathyroidism are generally unclear. This indicates they are not restricted to this medical condition such as:
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Fatigue
- depression
- lethargy
In case your condition is serious, and you may also experience:
- frequent urination
- thinning of bones or fractures
- constipation
- Pain abdomen, or stomach
- Kidney stones because of excess amount of calcium
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Loss of appetite
- Coma, in rare case
- Changes in personality
- Nausea and vomiting
What are the causes of primary hyperparathyroidism?
Primary hyperparathyroidism happens when the parathyroid glands make an excess of PTH. There are several conditions that can cause hyperparathyroidism, that include:
Parathyroid cancer
In rare cases, parathyroid cancer might trigger enlargement of at least one of the parathyroid glands. These tumors can lead to hyperparathyroidism.
Parathyroid Adenoma
Parathyroid Adenoma is a medical condition that causes a benign tumor on one of the parathyroid glands. These tumors are one of the reasons that cause primary hyperparathyroidism.
Enlargement of the parathyroid gland
In some cases, the reason for hyperparathyroidism is the enlargement of at least two of the parathyroid glands. Doctors often don’t have a concrete answer for the cause of enlargement.
How to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism?
Your doctor can diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism through blood tests that can show the following indication:
- Increase in amount of calcium in your body
- Increase in PTH
- Raised alkaline phosphatase, is a type of protein found in the liver and bone
- Decrease in the levels of phosphorus
Whenever your doctor presumes hyperparathyroidism, they will mainly check the bone density. An excess amount of PTH increases the level of calcium in the blood. Your body extracts this calcium from your bones. X-rays examination can help determine the bone issues like fractures and bone thinning.
How to treat primary hyperparathyroidism?
The seriousness of primary hyperparathyroidism can fluctuate enormously. There is no one specific treatment applicable for all cases. Your doctor will examine your health condition and figure out the best suitable treatment for you.
In case an individual doesn’t have any symptoms, you may not require urgent treatment. But your doctor will monitor your health condition to ensure it doesn’t get worse. Your doctor will screen:
- Bone density
- Kidney function and kidney stones
- Level of calcium
Parathyroid Surgery is the most recommended and suitable treatment in almost all cases. In this surgery, only impacted glands are removed. In case all four glands are enlarged then a part of one of these glands will be left during the surgery so you will still have parathyroid tissue that is working in the body.
Your doctor will suggest parathyroid surgery if:
- Bone density is excessively low
- You experience symptoms of a high level of calcium
- Your age is above 50 years
- the level of calcium is higher than 1.0 mg/dL over the normal level of 8.5-10.2 mg/dL and you don’t have any symptoms
In some cases, doctors prescribe medicines to help relieve the complications related to primary hyperparathyroidism.
Conclusion
Hyperparathyroidism is a medical condition that occurs when parathyroid glands make an excessive amount of parathyroid hormone in the body. This increases the calcium level that causes bone thinning and fractures, depression, and abdominal pain. Many times, an individual may not experience any symptoms. Parathyroid surgery is always recommended by doctors as a treatment and cure for the disease.
For more information on Primary Hyperparathyroidism and Parathyroid Surgery, you can contact our healthcare expert today at +1 (817) 748-0200. You can also make an online appointment with us.