Learn the Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism and When to Get Your Calcium Checked

The human body has two pairs of parathyroid glands (four in total), located in the neck. These glands secrete the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and are responsible for ensuring optimum calcium levels.
Hyperparathyroidism is a health condition wherein the parathyroid glands produce excess PTH, resulting in hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the body). This condition is a serious health risk as it can lead to weak and brittle bones, and calcium build-up in one’s kidneys, blood vessels and other parts of the body.
To prevent these complications of hyperparathyroidism, individuals must be aware of the types of hyperparathyroidism, hyperparathyroidism symptoms, hyperparathyroidism causes, and hyperparathyroidism treatments.

What are the Types of Hyperparathyroidism?

There are three types of hyperparathyroidism:

1. Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterised by the enlargement or growth of one or more parathyroid glands, resulting in an excess production of PTH. Further, the glands don’t respond to body signals that should ideally prompt them to stop PTH secretion.
2. Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: This type occurs when an individual is suffering from a health condition that is causing high phosphate levels, low calcium levels or low vitamin D levels. Because of this imbalance, the parathyroid glands produce more PTH in an attempt to increase the calcium levels and reduce phosphate levels.
3. Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: The final type of hyperparathyroidism occurs when an individual has been suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism and is not responding to hyperparathyroidism treatment. As a result, one’s parathyroid glands enlarge and keep producing high levels of PTH.

What are Common Hyperparathyroidism Symptoms?

Common hyperparathyroidism symptoms include:

1. Weak muscles
2. Depression
3. Pain in bones and joints
4. Difficulty focusing on tasks
5. Loss of appetite
6. Vomiting and nausea
7. Forgetfulness
8. Constipation
9. Increased thirst and urgency to urinate

What are Hyperparathyroidism’s Causes?

The most common hyperparathyroidism causes include growth on the parathyroid gland, enlargement of the glands, conditions causing low calcium levels, and high levels of phosphate in the body. That said, hyperparathyroidism causes can differ based on the type:

1. Primary hyperparathyroidism
   Causes of primary hyperparathyroidism include adenomas (benign growths) and hyperplasia (enlargement of parathyroid glands). Another cause can be parathyroid carcinomas, which are a type of tumour, and most often a result of an inherited condition such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type 1 and 2.
2. Secondary hyperparathyroidism
   The most common secondary hyperparathyroidism cause is kidney disease. If the kidneys don’t function correctly, the body’s phosphate levels can rise, and the vitamin D levels can fall. Low levels of vitamin D result in low calcium levels, prompting the parathyroid glands to produce more PTH. Eventually, the body will have too much calcium, compromising the health of other organs.Apart from kidney issues, low vitamin D levels alone, from malnutrition or a lack of sun exposure, can also be a cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
3. Tertiary hyperparathyroidism
   This type is usually caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism. Once the parathyroid glands enlarge from producing an excess of PTH, they can stop responding to body signals requiring them to cease PTH production.

What are the Complications of Hyperparathyroidism?

Some complications of hyperparathyroidism include:

1. Osteoporosis due to the reduced calcium level in the blood
2. Kidney stones due to calcium build-up in the kidneys
3. Heart attack, heart stroke, and high blood pressure due to calcium buildup in the blood vessels and the heart
4. Skin infections and sores due to calcium build-up in the skin
5. Loss of kidney function, post kidney transplant

Individuals must seek timely hyperparathyroidism treatment to avoid hyperparathyroidism complications in the future.

When Should Individuals Get Their Calcium Checked?

Individuals should get their calcium levels checked if they notice the above-mentioned hyperparathyroidism symptoms in their bodies.

Hyperparathyroidism is a serious health condition that is characterised by high PTH levels in the body. As a result, one of the most discerning diagnostic tools for the condition is a PTH test. If individuals notice the above-mentioned hyperparathyroidism symptoms in their bodies, they must consult a doctor for a reliable hyperparathyroidism treatment plan. Individuals can also download the Dr Lal PathLabs app to gain reliable and accurate PTH test results.

FAQs

1. What is hyperparathyroidism?
   Hyperparathyroidism is a health condition wherein the parathyroid glands produce excess levels of PTH, causing hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the body). PTH tests are typically used to diagnose this condition.
2. What are the common hyperparathyroidism symptoms?
   Common hyperparathyroidism symptoms include muscle weakness, bone or joint pain, depression, tiredness, difficulty focusing on tasks, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst and urgency to urinate, forgetfulness, and constipation.
3. What are the common hyperparathyroidism causes?
   The most common hyperparathyroidism causes include growth on the parathyroid gland, enlargement of the glands, conditions causing low calcium levels, and high levels of phosphate in the body. However, the hyperparathyroidism causes can differ based on the type (primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism).
4. What is a PTH test?
   A PTH test is a blood test that measures the level of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) in an individual’s blood. It is an essential diagnostic tool for hyperparathyroidism treatment.