Hyperparathyroidism: What You Need to Know

Hyperparathyroidism happens when one or more of your parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). Too much PTH tells your bones to release calcium, which pushes calcium levels in the blood up. High calcium can cause bone weakness, kidney stones, and tricky gut problems. Most people discover it during a routine blood test, but some notice odd symptoms first.

Why Calcium Gets Too High

The parathyroid glands are tiny, pea‑size pieces sitting behind your thyroid. They keep calcium balanced by releasing PTH when blood calcium drops. In primary hyperparathyroidism, a gland goes rogue—often because of a harmless growth called a adenoma. The gland keeps sending PTH signals even when calcium is already high. Less common causes include multiple gland enlargement or rare genetic conditions. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is different; it’s the body’s response to low calcium, usually from vitamin D deficiency or kidney disease.

How Doctors Find and Treat It

Doctors start with a simple blood draw. If calcium is high and PTH is also high, that points to hyperparathyroidism. They may add a vitamin D level check and an ultrasound or a Sestamibi scan to locate the overactive gland. If symptoms are mild and calcium isn’t too high, doctors might watch and wait, checking labs every six months. When calcium climbs or symptoms start—like bone pain, frequent urination, or fatigue—treatment becomes necessary.

Most patients opt for surgery. A minimally invasive procedure removes the problematic gland through a small neck cut. Surgery fixes calcium levels in about 95 % of cases and often eases symptoms quickly. If surgery isn’t an option, medications such as cinacalcet can lower PTH and calcium. Staying hydrated, getting enough vitamin D, and limiting calcium‑rich foods also help manage the condition.

After treatment, regular blood tests are key. Even after a successful operation, a small number of people need follow‑up scans to make sure the remaining glands stay normal. If calcium rises again, doctors may look for other causes, like hidden tumors or kidney problems.

Bottom line: hyperparathyroidism is mostly about an overactive parathyroid gland pushing calcium up. Spotting it early through routine blood work can prevent bone loss and kidney stones. Surgery is the go‑to cure, but medicines and lifestyle tweaks can keep things steady when surgery isn’t possible. If you notice unexplained fatigue, bone aches, or frequent bathroom trips, a quick blood test could reveal the issue before it gets serious.