The parathyroid glands are four small glands in the neck. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH controls the level of calcium in the blood.
In hyperparathyroidism too much PTH is secreted. This causes high levels of calcium in the blood. High calcium is known as hypercalcemia. The condition is classified as being:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism—most common form
- Secondary hyperparathyroidism—occurs in patients with kidney failure
Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands: Posterior (Back) View
In most cases, the exact cause is not known. Factors that may contribute to hyperparathyroidism include:
- Adenoma (benign tumor) in the parathyroid gland (accounting for 85% of primary hyperparathyroidism)
- Hyperplasia (enlargement) of the parathyroid glands (accounting for over 80% of secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism)
- Parathyroid cancer
- Familial hyperparathyroidism
- Vitamin D deficiency (due to malabsorption, lack of sunlight exposure, inadequate dietary intake)
- Radiation therapy
The following factors increase your chance of developing hyperparathyroidism:
- Sex: female (hyperparathyroidism is three times more common in women, especially after menopause
If you experience any of these, do not assume it is due to this condition. The symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you have any one of them, see your doctor.
The degree of hypercalcemia, as well as the disease progress, will determine the symptoms. Symptoms commonly seen with primary hyperparathyroidism include the following:
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent and sometimes painful urination
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
Symptoms and clinical signs common to those patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism include the following:
- Bone pain
- Muscle weakness
- Symptoms related to kidney failure or intestinal diseases such as malabsorption
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. An endocrinologist focuses on hormones.
Tests may include the following:
- Blood tests—to measure calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D, and/or PTH
- Urine test—a 24-hour urine collection to measure calcium excretion and kidney function
- Abdominal x-ray
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
- Calcitriol (the most active vitamin D metabolite)—helps to reduce PTH production in secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney failure
Cinacalcet—helps to lower PTH blood levels for secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease
Paricalcitol(a vitamin D analog)—for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney failure
Ergocalciferol(a vitamin D analog)—for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism due to deficiency of vitamin D
- Estrogen (hormone replacement therapy) for postmenopausal women
A partial or complete parathyroidectomy may be done. This is the partial or total removal of the parathyroid. It may be used:
- To remove a tumor—common in primary hyperparathyroidism and results in a 95% cure rate (calcium levels return to normal and decrease risk of bone and kidney problems)
- To remove parathyroid tissue—common for tertiary or secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic renal failure; done when medical treatment has failed
Monitoring of Blood Calcium Levels
Your doctor may simply choose to regularly check your blood calcium levels. The doctor will also monitor you for possible complications. This may include regular bone density tests.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
The Hormone Foundation
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders
Canada Health Portal
Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism
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Hyperparathyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/endo/pubs/hyper/hyper.htm .
Information for patients about primary hyperparathyroidism. National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases, National Resource Center website. Available at: http://www.osteo.org/newfile.asp?doc=p112i&doctitle=Primary+Hyperparathyroidism&doctype=HTML+Fact+Sheet . Accessed July 4, 2005.
Messa P, Macario F, Yaqoob M, et al. The OPTIMA study: assessing a new cinacalcet (Sensipar/Mimpara) treatment algorithm for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008;3:36-45.
Silverberg SJ, Bilezikian JP. The diagnosis and management of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab . 2006;2:494-503.
Taniegra ED. Hyperparathyroidism. Am Fam Physician . 2004; 69:333-340.
Torpy JM. Glass RM, ed. Hyperparathyroidism. JAMA . 2005;293(14).
Last reviewed January 2009 by
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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