Hyperparathyroidism: What It Is and How to Handle It

Hyperparathyroidism happens when one or more parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). That raises blood calcium and can cause stones, bone pain, tiredness, mood changes, and belly problems. Some people have no clear symptoms and find out from a routine blood test. You want clear answers and practical steps? This guide explains what triggers it, how doctors find it, and real treatment options.

Most cases are primary — a small benign tumor (adenoma) or gland enlargement makes excess PTH. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a response to low calcium or chronic kidney disease; PTH rises to try to fix low calcium. Tertiary happens when PTH keeps running high after long-term secondary causes. Knowing the type matters because it changes treatment.

How Doctors Diagnose It

Blood tests are first. Expect a basic metabolic panel, PTH level, phosphate, and vitamin D. Typical primary pattern is high calcium with high or inappropriately normal PTH. Secondary usually shows low or normal calcium with high PTH. Kidney tests help spot chronic kidney disease. If labs suggest hyperparathyroidism, doctors check bones with DEXA and look for kidney stones with ultrasound or CT.

Treatment Options You Can Expect

Surgery is the main cure for primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroidectomy removes the bad gland and often fixes calcium within hours to days. Most people go home the same day or after one night. Risks exist but are low when done by an experienced surgeon. Ask about intraoperative PTH monitoring and experienced endocrine surgeons.

If surgery is not an option or for secondary forms, medicines help. Cinacalcet lowers PTH and calcium for patients who can't have surgery. Bisphosphonates protect bone when osteoporosis is present. Fixing vitamin D deficiency and keeping well hydrated reduce symptoms. Avoid thiazide diuretics and excess calcium supplements unless your doctor says otherwise.

Follow up matters. Your doctor will monitor calcium, PTH, kidney function, and bone density periodically. Simple steps help: drink water daily to lower stone risk, keep moderate calcium in diet rather than big supplement doses, and do weight bearing exercise for bone health. If you're pregnant or trying to conceive, talk to an endocrine specialist early — calcium problems need careful management.

See a doctor quickly for very high calcium, severe vomiting, confusion, or dehydration. If you have repeated kidney stones or a significant drop in bone density, ask about hyperparathyroidism testing. A specialist can explain whether surgery or medical care fits your situation. Keep copies of labs and imaging and get a second opinion if you feel unsure.

Bring questions to visits: What caused my high calcium? Do I need surgery now or can we watch and wait? What are my surgery risks here and what is recovery like? Will medicine control my calcium and without long term side effects? How often will you monitor my bones and kidneys? Ask for clear timelines and who to contact with sudden symptoms. If your center offers multidisciplinary care, that improves choices.

Early diagnosis saves bone and kidney health, so don’t delay getting checked. Contact a specialist.