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In order to diagnose hyperparathyroidism, a doctor will perform a blood test that detects too much calcium and PTH in the body. Urine will also likely be tested for calcium levels. A bone density test, done with a special X-ray, will determine the strength of bones and the amount of calcium in them.
Mild cases are often treated on a watch-and-wait basis, and a doctor will monitor calcium levels and recommend that patients drink water. More severe cases of hyperparathyroidism are usually treated with surgery to remove the malfunctioning gland or glands. The minimally invasive procedure usually cures the condition 95% of the time. There are also drugs that mimic calcium and trick the glands into producing less PTH.
What is hyperparathyroidism?
Hyperparathyroidism is the overabundance of a hormone produced by the body’s parathyroid glands. There are four parathyroid glands, all located around the thyroid gland in the neck, and each about the size of a grain of rice. In hyperparathyroidism, one or more may be overactive. Left unchecked, the condition can lead to kidney stones, osteoporosis and cardiovascular problems.
There are two types of hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism is when one or more glands overproduce PTH and elevate calcium levels in the body. It can be caused by a mass on the gland that can be cancerous or noncancerous. Secondary hyperparathyroidism happens when another disease saps the body of calcium, prompting overcompensation of the glands.
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperparathyroidism?
People with hyperparathyroidism often show no symptoms. When they do, symptoms of hyper parathyroid can include:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Kidney stones
- Brittle bones
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Excessive urination
- Depression
- Confusion
- Appetite loss
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