What is hyperparathyroidism? Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hyperparathyroidismoccurs when the parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). 

The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized endocrine glands located in the neck, close to or attached to the back of the thyroid. 

Endocrine glands secrete hormones necessary for the normal functioning of the body.

Despite having similar names and adjacent to the neck, the parathyroid glands and thyroid are very different organs. The parathyroid glands help regulate calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus levels in bones and blood.

Some people with excess parathyroid hormone secretion do not experience any symptoms and do not need treatment. Some may experience mild or severe symptoms that may require surgery.

What is hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidismis a condition characterized by an excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. 

The parathyroid glands are located around the thyroid gland in the neck and secrete a hormone called parathyroid hormone. 

The main function of the parathyroid glands in the body calcium ve phosphorus regulating their level. Each person has four small parathyroid glands that are normally only the size of a grain of rice.

Normally, when calcium levels drop, the body produces more parathyroid hormone (PTH) to restore levels. When calcium levels increase, the body produces less parathyroid hormone so levels drop. 

Hyperparathyroidism People who have had too much calcium and lower than normal (or sometimes near normal) amounts of phosphorus in their blood.

Parathyroid hormone has important functions such as:

- It stimulates the bones to release calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream.

- It causes the kidneys to excrete less calcium in the urine.

- It causes the kidneys to release more phosphate in the blood.

- It stimulates the digestive system to absorb more calcium.

- Causes the kidneys to activate more vitamin D, allowing more calcium to be absorbed. 

What Are the Types of Hyperparathyroidism?

There are three types of hyperparathyroidism: primary hyperparathyroidism, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

This type occurs when there is a problem with at least one of the parathyroid glands. Common causes of parathyroid problems include benign lumps in the gland and enlargement of at least two glands. 

In rare cases, a cancerous tumor causes this condition. Primary hyperparathyroidism The risk of developing it is also higher in people with:

Certain inherited disorders affecting various glands of the body, such as multiple endocrine neoplasms.

- A long history of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.

- Radiation exposure in cancer treatment.

- Bipolar disorder taking a drug called lithium that treats you.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

This type occurs when an underlying condition occurs that causes calcium levels to be abnormally low.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism Most of its cases are due to chronic kidney failure resulting in low vitamin D and calcium levels.

Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

This type occurs when the parathyroid glands continue to make too much PTH after the calcium level returns to normal. This type usually occurs in people with kidney problems.

What Causes Hyperparathyroidism?

HyperparathyroidismIn addition, one or more of the parathyroid glands becomes overactive and makes excess PTH. This may be due to a tumor, gland enlargement, or other structural problems of the parathyroid glands.

When calcium levels are too low, the parathyroid glands respond by increasing PTH production. This allows the kidneys and intestines to absorb more calcium.

It also removes more calcium from bones. When the calcium level rises again, PTH production returns to normal.

What Are the Risk Factors for Hyperparathyroidism?

- Being a woman because this condition is more common in women (especially post-menopausal women) than men.

- Being an older adult.

- Having had radiation therapy on the neck for cancer treatment.

Genetic inheritance or family hyperparathyroidism history.

- History of multiple endocrine neoplasia, which is a rare hereditary disease.

Kidney disease or a history of kidney failure. Our kidneys convert vitamin D into a form that our body can use, and vitamin D is needed to balance calcium levels. Chronic renal failure, secondary hyperparathyroidismis the most common reason for in.

Severe calcium deficiency.

Severe vitamin D deficiency that affects calcium absorption.

Taking lithium, the drug most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on your type of hyperparathyroidism.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism Symptoms

Some patients do not have any symptoms. If symptoms are present, they can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms include:

- Tiredness

- Weakness and fatigue

- Depression

- Body aches

More severe symptoms are:

Loss of appetite

- Constipation

- Mumps

- Nausea

- Extreme thirst

- Increased urination

- Mental confusion

- Memory problems

- Kidney stone

Some research, primary hyperparathyroidismmany adults parathyroidism suggests that non-same age adults are more overweight.

Primary hyperparathyroidism it may also be associated with increased prevalence of hypertension, insulin resistance, lipid / fat / cholesterol problems, and cardiovascular disease.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Symptoms

In this type, there may be skeletal abnormalities such as fractures, swollen joints, and bone deformities. Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause, such as chronic kidney failure or severe vitamin D deficiency.

How Is Hyperparathyroidism Diagnosed?

When routine blood tests have high levels of calcium in the blood, the doctor says. hyperparathyroidismmay be suspicious. To confirm this diagnosis, the healthcare provider will also need to run other tests.

Blood Tests

Additional blood tests will help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis. The healthcare professional will order a blood test to check for high PTH levels, high alkaline phosphatase levels, and low levels of phosphorus.

Urine Tests

The urine test helps the doctor determine how severe the condition is and whether kidney problems are the cause. It will also check the urine to see how much calcium it contains.

Kidney Tests

The doctor may perform a kidney imaging test.

How Is Hyperparathyroidism Treated?

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

If the kidneys are working well, the calcium level is slightly high, or the bone density is normal, treatment may not be needed.

In this case, your doctor may monitor the condition once a year and check blood-calcium levels twice a year.

The doctor will recommend that you monitor your calcium and vitamin D consumption. It will be necessary to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of kidney stones. Regular exercise is essential to strengthen bones.

If treatment is required, surgery is the commonly used treatment. Surgical procedures involve removing enlarged parathyroid glands or tumors in the glands.

Complications are rare and include damaged vocal cord nerves and prolonged, low levels of calcium.

Calcimimetics, which act like calcium in the blood, are another treatment. These drugs force the glands to make less PTH. The doctor will sometimes prescribe these when surgery fails or is not an option.

Bisfonates that protect bones from losing calcium can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Hormone replacement therapy helps bones hold onto calcium. Although this treatment has risks associated with long-term use, it can treat postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. These increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Treatment involves restoring PTH levels to normal by correcting the underlying cause. Treatment modalities include using prescription vitamin D for severe deficiencies, calcium and vitamin D for chronic kidney failure. If there is chronic kidney failure, medication and dialysis may be needed.

What Are the Complications Associated with Hyperparathyroidism?

Hyperparathyroidism survivors may have a condition called osteoporosis, also called "thinning" of the bone.

Common symptoms include bone fractures and height loss due to vertebral body (spinal column) fractures.

This can develop when excess PTH production leads to a loss of too much calcium in the bones, making them weak.

Osteoporosis typically occurs when there is too much calcium in the blood and there is no calcium left in the bones for a long time.

Osteoporosis creates a higher risk for bone fractures. The doctor checks for signs of osteoporosis by taking bone x-rays or a bone mineral density test. This test measures calcium and bone mineral levels using special X-ray devices.

Natural Remedies for Hyperparathyroidism Treatment

Eat a hyperparathyroidism diet

Hyperparathyroidism symptomsIt is important to eat foods high in calcium to prevent calcium deficiency, which can worsen the disease and its complications.  

Adults between the ages of 10 and 50, women 51 and over, men 71 and over need about 1.000 milligrams of calcium per day, or 1.200 milligrams per day.

The best sources of calcium are: dairy (raw milk, goat's milk, kefir, yogurt or old cheeses), green leafy vegetables, okra, chard, green beans, carrots, turnips and watercress, almonds, navy beans, cowpea, organic edamame, sardines, oysters, seaweed, sesame, sunflower seeds, pumpkin, sweet potato, strawberry, fig and orange.

Hyperparathyroidism Other foods that can help manage include: all types of leafy greens, healthy fats such as cocoa, avocado, banana, olive oil and coconut oil, grass-fed meats, fresh herbs and spices magnesium foods high in content.

Drink plenty of water to help prevent kidney stones. It is best to drink at least six to eight glasses of water each day to help protect your kidneys.

It is important to avoid foods that cause inflammation. Inflammatory foods to avoid are foods with added sugar, processed grains, refined vegetable oils, and synthetic ingredients.

Minimize Bone and Joint Pain

If possible, try to stay active and stretch every day to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. Regular exercise, especially weightlifting exercises and strength training, is important for keeping bones strong. 

Additionally, exercise can help reduce the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease. Other ways to help manage bone and joint pain include:

Applying peppermint oil to painful areas

- Do yoga

Taking a warm bath with Epsom salt

Massage therapy or acupuncture

Taking anti-inflammatory supplements, including turmeric and omega 3 fatty acids

Getting enough sleep

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet

Combating Nausea and Loss of Appetite

For those who experience nausea, vomiting, or anorexia, these tips will help:

- Avoid foods that can worsen digestive problems, such as fatty foods, foods with high sodium content, strongly smelling vegetables, too much animal protein, spices, fat or cheese. Eat smaller meals or snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals.

- Take care to stay hydrated by drinking water or herbal tea and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Add some lemon and lime juice to ice water and drink it throughout the day.

Drink ginger tea or try taking ginger capsules several times a day. Taking vitamin B6 one to three times a day can also reduce nausea.

- Take a walk outside and get fresh air. Try to exercise lightly for as long as possible, as this can help regulate appetite.

Get enough sleep because fatigue can make you feel unwell.

Manage Depression and Fatigue

Ways to manage stress and depression and support mental health include: exercise, adequate sleep, social support, spending time outside, meditation, acupuncture, journaling, and reading.

Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D It helps maintain proper calcium levels in the blood and allows the digestive system to absorb calcium from food. 

The standard recommendation for vitamin D intake is 1 international units (IU) per day for people ages 70-600, and 71 IU per day for adults 800 and over.

The best way to prevent vitamin D deficiency is through direct sun exposure. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the body produces vitamin D. To a lesser extent, we can get some vitamin D from the foods we eat. 

Talk to the doctor about whether vitamin D and calcium supplements are needed, as it is often necessary to maintain normal levels.

Avoid Smoking and Certain Medications

Smoking can lead to a variety of health problems, such as weakening bones and potentially contributing to cardiovascular problems. 

Talk to your doctor about the best way to quit smoking, such as joining a quit smoking group, using a nicotine patch, or trying hypnosis, meditation, or other approaches.

You should also avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol or taking calcium-enhancing drugs, including some diuretics and lithium.

HyperparathyroidismIt affects the body a lot. Does anyone have hyperparathyroidism? You can write comments.