by Krisha McCoy, MS
Hyperparathyroidism is when the body makes too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). The parathyroid glands make PTH which help to keep calcium levels in balance. When PTH levels are too high it causes too much calcium in the blood.
Hyperparathyroidism may be:
Primary hyperparathyroidism may be caused by:
Secondary hyperparathyroidism may be caused by:
Enlargement of the parathyroid gland is the main risk factor for tertiary hyperparathyroidism.
Hyperparathyroidism is more common in women, especially after menopause. It is also more common in people older than 50 years of age. Other factors that may increase the chances of hyperparathyroidism:
The level of calcium in the blood will determine the symptoms. Symptoms occasionally seen with primary hyperparathyroidism include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Testing may include:
Treatment will be based on the type of hyperparathyroidism. Options may include the following:
Monitoring of Blood Calcium Levels
Your doctor may choose to regularly check your blood calcium levels and monitor you for possible complications. This may include regular bone density tests every 1-2 years.
Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake may play a role in preventing hyperparathyroidism in women. Try to get recommended levels of calcium through dietary choices and supplements.
Hormone Health Network—Endocrine Society
The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons
The Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Hyperparathyroidism. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/hyperparathyroidism. Updated January 18, 2018. Accessed March 26, 2018.
Primary hyperparathyroidism. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113972/Hyperparathyroidism . Updated June 28, 2017. Accessed March 26, 2018.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated June 26, 2017. Accessed March 26, 2018.
Silverberg SJ, Bilezikian JP. The diagnosis and management of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab. 2006;2(9):494-503.
Tertiary hyperparathyroidism. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated March 19, 2018. Accessed March 26, 2018.
Taniegra E. Hyperparathyroidism. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69(2):333.
11/26/2012 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113972/Hyperparathyroidism : Paik J, Curhan G, Taylor EN. Calcium intake and risk of primary hyperparathyroidism in women: prospective cohort study. BMJ. 2012;345:e6390.
Last reviewed March 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 2/17/2016
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