What is hyperparathyroidism?
It is a pathology characterized by an excess of parathyroid hormone (PHT) in the bloodstream. Its presence is due to the hyperactivity of one or more of the four parathyroid glands.
These glands are responsible for the production of parathyroid hormone whose function is to regulate calcium in the bloodstream and in the tissues that need it to function properly.
There are two types of hyperparathyroidism:
- Primary. In this case one or more parathyroid glands are enlarged causing overproduction of the hormone and resulting in high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
- Secondary. Secondary hyperparathyroidism develops as a result of low calcium and/or vitamin D levels and increases, over time, parathyroid hormone. It is the most common type.
Symptoms
It is common to identify hyperparathyroidism before symptoms appear.
Symptoms are non-specific and occur only in late stages, when calcium levels are high. When this situation is reached (months or years after the onset of the disorder) and due to the excess of calcium, the following may appear:
- Excessive urination.
- Abdominal pain.
- Stomach acidity.
- Tiredness or weakness.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- bone or joint pain
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite.
- In advanced stages, cardiac arrhythmias may occur.
When calcium levels in the blood are elevated, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation and even cardiac arrhythmias are often experienced.
Medical tests for diagnosis
Since the disease develops, in many cases, before the first symptoms appear, it is often detected by chance. It is usually identified through a blood test.
A medical examination will also help to find the origin of hyperparathyroidism and to request other studies to assess its severity and propose a treatment.
Can it be prevented?
It is not possible to anticipate hyperparathyroidism. However, if there is any suspicion, it is advisable to have a blood test to study the levels of calcium and phosphorus in order to detect the disease.
Treatment
In the case of primary hyperparathyroidism, one of the most effective treatments is surgery for tumors of the parathyroid glands. Ninety-eight percent of these tumors are benign.
It is a minimally aggressive and curative procedure which consists of removing the affected glands by microsurgery. After the operation, the level of calcium in the blood drops below the normal level until it stabilizes.
For cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism, treatment will depend on the cause of the disease, although it usually consists of vitamin D supplementation.
Which specialist treats it?
The endocrinologist will be the doctor in charge of the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism, since he is the specialist in hormone diseases, metabolism and nutritional problems. If a parathyroid tumor is detected, a surgical specialist will be in charge of the intervention.