Hyperparathyroidism
A condition where the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, causing excess calcium in the blood.
About hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition where one or more of your parathyroid glands are overactive, and produce too much parathyroid hormone.
This leads to too much calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia), which can cause various health problems.
Most people have four parathyroid glands, usually situated in their neck just behind the thyroid gland. Each parathyroid gland is about the size of a small lentil or half a grain of rice.
Your parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone regulates the amount of calcium in your blood.
There are different types of hyperparathyroidism. The main two types are:
- primary hyperparathyroidism – caused by a problem within the parathyroid gland, usually a benign tumour
- secondary hyperparathyroidism – related to a condition like kidney failure or a deficiency in vitamin D. In this case the rise in parathyroid hormone is related to a tendency towards a low blood calcium level
Symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism
The most obvious symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism are kidney pain from stones and bone pain from loss of bone calcium. But many patients have no symptoms of hyperparathyroidism at all and are diagnosed on blood tests before they have any symptoms.
Some patients have non-specific symptoms that are often associated with hyperparathyroidism, including:
- tiredness
- feeling thirsty
- lack of energy
- joint pain
- loss of appetite
- frequent urination
- constipation
- muscle weakness
- depression
- forgetfulness
- lack of concentration
Diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is usually diagnosed through a blood test for calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and some urine tests which show increased levels of calcium.
You may be referred for other tests to check for possible complications and causes, including:
Treatment of hyperparathyroidism
If you have hyperparathyroidism, you may be referred to a endocrinologist or endocrine surgeon for investigation and treatment.
Surgery
The only way to treat primary hyperparathyroidism is surgery to remove the abnormal parathyroid gland or glands. This is usually a straight forward procedure called a parathyroidectomy.
"I would like to thank everyone at Cromwell Hospital for the fantastic way you looked after me. I could not fault anyone during the time I spent with you - from the point I arrived in reception, to the catering team and every member of staff throughout the changes of shift during my stay."
Anonymous, Cromwell Hospital patient
Book an appointment today
Our telephone lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays.
Alternatively, fill out our appointment request form and we'll be in touch shortly.
Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via email or telephone.
Published: 6 January 2020 | Review: 6 January 2023
Disclaimer: This information is published by Cromwell Hospital and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence and experience from over 30 years of treating patients. It has been peer reviewed by Cromwell Hospital doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. If you have any feedback on the content of this patient information document please email info@cromwellhospital.com or telephone 020 7460 5901.