Parathyroid Disease
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which your parathyroid glands produce high levels of parathyroid hormone.
Parathyroid Disease
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which your parathyroid glands produce high levels of parathyroid hormone.
Parathyroid Disease (Hyperparathyroidism)
The names of the parathyroid glands and the thyroid gland are very different. Although they are located on the back of the thyroid, the four parathyroid glands can also be found around the neck or jaw.
The hormone PTH is secreted by the parathyroid glands. PTH regulates calcium exchange between blood and bones. Too much calcium can be pulled from the bones when the parathyroid gland becomes overactive. This condition is known as hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid disease.
Calcium is essential for bone strength. Calcium is essential for the brain to function properly and for muscles to contract. A serious condition known as osteoporosis is caused by too little calcium in the bones. Too much calcium can increase the likelihood of suffering from a stroke.
What are the Symptoms of Parathyroid Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
Hyperparathyroidism can be characterized by:
- There are no symptoms
- Foggy thinking and confusion
- Muscle cramps. Tingling sensations in the feet and hands
- You feel tired and depleted of energy
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling down, but not being able to pinpoint the cause
- Inability to focus, loss of interest in activities
- Personality changes, such as being more cranky or irritable
- Bone pain, particularly in the legs
- Heartburn (GERD)
- Sex drive has declined
- Frequent headaches
- Heart palpitations (arrhythmias)
- High Blood Pressure
- Depression
- A slightly elevated level of calcium is not considered normal
What causes Parathyroid Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
It is unknown what causes most parathyroid adenomas. Although most often seen in people aged 40-75, hyperparathyroidism can also occur at any age. The average age of a patient with hyperparathyroidism is 59.
Parathyroid Hyperplasia
Parathyroid hyperplasia can be a different condition from hyperparathyroidism. Hyperplasia causes all four of the parathyroid glands to grow larger. However, an adenoma cannot grow within the glands. There is no known cause. Hyperplasia can be caused by long-term use of Lithium (a psychotropic drug).
