Hyperparathyroidism
Overview
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where your body produces too much calcium, which can cause problems with your blood, bones and kidneys. It can be treated with surgery and medicines.
Symptoms
Many people with hyperparathyroidism have no, or very mild, symptoms. You may only find out you have it after having tests for something else. When symptoms do happen, they include: tirednessaches and pains, particularly in your joints, hands, arms, feet and legsmuscle weaknessfeeling and being sickloss of appetiteconstipationtummy painfeeling thirsty all the timepeeing more than usuallow mood and depression
Causes
Hyperparathyroidism is caused by your body producing too much calcium. Calcium helps with things like keeping your bones and teeth healthy. The amount of calcium in the body is controlled by tiny glands in your neck called the parathyroid glands. Hyperparathyroidism can happen for 2 main reasons: your parathyroid glands become swollen due to a non-cancerous growth – this is called primary hyperparathyroidismyour parathyroid glands cause too much calcium to be produced because another condition you have (such as chronic kidney disease) has lowered your calcium level – this is called secondary hyperparathyroidism
Treatment
If you’re diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, you’ll be referred to a specialist for treatment. The treatment recommended for you will depend on your calcium levels, your symptoms and if you have any other health conditions. You may not need treatment if your calcium levels are not too high and are not causing you any problems. If you do need treatment, you may be offered surgery to remove part or all of the parathyroid glands in your neck. If you’re unable to have surgery or do not want it, you may need medicines to help lower your calcium levels. You may also be given medicines after surgery if testing shows your calcium levels are still high. Do not make any changes to your diet to try to lower your calcium levels, unless you have been told to by your specialist. A change in your usual diet could make your symptoms worse or cause more serious problems.